Angiogenesis imaging in scleroderma to track digital ulcers
Official title: Evaluation of digital angiogenesis in scleroderma by molecular imaging
Funded at Yale University · NIH-11439475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly look at using a special imaging tracer to watch blood vessel growth in the hands of people with scleroderma to help manage digital ulcers.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $252,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R03HL187219-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11439475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) experiencing or at risk for digital ischemia or ulcers.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without vascular involvement or those unable to undergo imaging may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project uses a radiotracer that targets new blood vessel growth to noninvasively image the hands of adults with scleroderma. It builds on MRI assessments to combine information about blood flow, tissue oxygen, and fibrosis, hoping to find sensitive biomarkers for digital ulcers. The study is designed to be conducted with patients who have scleroderma and may involve follow-up imaging sessions. Results could guide future therapies and monitoring for preventing finger ulcers and amputations.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to better monitoring of disease activity and earlier intervention to prevent digital ulcers and finger loss.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise in combining MRI with biomarkers, but this specific tracer-based imaging approach is exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Yale University
New Haven, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feher, Attila — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Feher, Attila
Related research
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.