NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

A targeted immune therapy against artery disease using a liposome-linked ApoB fragment

Official title: Liposome-displayed ApoB fragment for active immunotherapy against atherosclerosis

Funded at Pop Biotechnologies, INC · NIH-11409692 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A first-in-class approach aims to train the immune system to fight atherosclerosis by using a tiny ApoB fragment displayed on a liposome to elicit a protective immune response.

More Immunotherapy research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPop Biotechnologies, INC
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Buffalo, United States)
Project startAugust 1, 2026
Project endJuly 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$309,794
NIH project number1R41HL184798-01A1
Project IDNIH-11409692 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates are adults with ASCVD or high cardiovascular risk who could participate in future trial phases after establishing safety.

Less likely to help

People without ASCVD or with conditions that contraindicate immunotherapies may not benefit from this approach.

What this research studies

This project adapt a peptide from ApoB-100 attached to CoPoP liposomes to create a vaccine-like therapy for atherosclerosis. It builds on prior work showing that certain ApoB peptides can reduce plaque in mice, and partners with POP Biotechnologies to use their SNAP vaccine platform. The study will focus on formulating the peptide with CPQ adjuvants to drive strong cellular immune responses that may stabilize or reduce plaques. The research is designed to move from preclinical models toward potential human trials if safety and efficacy are demonstrated.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this immune-based therapy could provide a novel way to reduce cardiovascular risk by targeting the immune component of ASCVD.

How similar studies have gone: Previous ApoB-focused immunotherapies showed atheroprotective effects in mouse models, but human data are not yet established.

Where this research is happening

  • Pop Biotechnologies, INC
    Buffalo, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Chyu, Kuang-Yuh — Pop Biotechnologies, INC
  • Study coordinator: Chyu, Kuang-Yuh

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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    This study is looking at how a protein called GITR affects the buildup of plaque in arteries, which can lead to heart problems, and aims to find new treatments that could help reduce inflammation and improve health for people with atherosclerosis.

    NIH research Mayo Clinic Rochester · Rochester, United States · NIH-11044603

  • Boosting immune response to fight cancer

    This study is exploring a new way to help your immune system better fight cancer by tweaking certain cells in your body, and it aims to improve treatment for people with advanced cancer.

    NIH research University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, United States · NIH-9868156

  • A center focused on immunotherapy for pediatric cancers.

    This study is exploring new ways to use the body's immune system to fight childhood cancers, aiming to create better treatments for kids whose cancers haven't responded well to standard therapies.

    NIH research Research Inst Nationwide Children's Hosp · Columbus, United States · NIH-9839924

  • Coronary disease and immune activation in people with HIV and tuberculosis coinfection

    This research looks at how having HIV and latent tuberculosis together might raise the risk of heart disease, and what immune changes are involved.

    NIH research Emory University · Atlanta, United States · NIH-11618831

  • Algorithms to find HLA-E neoantigens for cancer immunotherapy

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    NIH research University of Maryland Baltimore · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11618504

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.