Biodegradable drug-eluting scaffold to promote lymphatic healing for lymphedema
Official title: Sustained 9-cis Retinoic Acid-Eluting Nanofiber Scaffolds for Enhanced Lymphatic Regeneration and Lymphedema Treatment
Funded at Matregenix · NIH-11410245 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new scaffold that slowly releases 9-cis retinoic acid to help grow healthy lymph vessels in people with lymphedema, especially cancer survivors.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Matregenix NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $314,211 |
| NIH project number | 1R41HL184685-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11410245 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Cancer survivors with lymphedema or at risk for lymphatic damage.
✕Less likely to help
People without lymphedema or those who cannot receive implanted scaffolds may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops a tiny, flexible scaffold that Patients would wear or be implanted to support lymphatic tissue. It uses a bio-friendly material to slowly release a drug that helps lymphatic vessels grow. The team will test basic safety and the ability of the scaffold to guide lymph vessel formation in human cells and mice. If successful, this could reduce swelling, pain, and infections linked to lymphedema. The work is Phase I, focusing on formulation, biocompatibility, and early efficacy signals.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience improved lymph drainage and reduced lymphedema symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows that targeted molecules can promote lymphatic growth in models, but this exact scaffold approach is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Matregenix
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soliman, Sherif — Matregenix
- Study coordinator: Soliman, Sherif
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Mechanisms of Junctional Proteins in Lymphedema After Breast Cancer Surgery
Scientists are studying how tiny protein gaps in lymph vessels contribute to swelling after breast cancer surgery, with the goal of helping people who develop lymphedema.
-
Image-based detection and monitoring of secondary lymphedema in head and neck cancer
A new, smartphone-enabled method uses simple computer vision to detect and track secondary lymphedema in people treated for head and neck cancer.
-
Lymphedema Prevention with Immediate Lymphatic Reconstruction for Breast Cancer Patients
This grant tests a surgical approach to help people with breast cancer reduce lymphedema after surgery.
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Bioengineered conduit to prevent lymphedema after cancer surgery
A new resorbable conduit implanted during surgery could help prevent lymphedema in cancer survivors by bridging lymphatic obstructions.
-
Bioengineered lymphatic healing platform for breast cancer-related lymphedema
A new brainy hydrogel-based approach aims to help people who develop lymphedema after breast cancer by guiding and regenerating lymphatic vessels.
-
Photobiomodulation therapy for chronic head and neck lymphedema in cancer survivors
A 5-year, multi-site trial tests a light-based therapy to reduce long-term neck and jaw swelling in people who survived head and neck cancer.
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.