NIH-funded research R01 grant

Carnosine and improved leg function in peripheral artery disease

Official title: Role of carnosine in peripheral arterial disease

Funded at University of Louisville · NIH-11364175 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This grant tests whether taking carnosine can improve leg function for people with peripheral artery disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Louisville
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Louisville, United States)
Project startAugust 15, 2024
Project endMay 31, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$632,838
NIH project number5R01HL163419-03
Project IDNIH-11364175 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with diagnosed peripheral arterial disease who are candidates for non-surgical management and can participate in functional testing.

Less likely to help

Patients without PAD or those unable to take supplements may not benefit and could experience no change.

What this research studies

People living with PAD often have poor muscle metabolism in their legs, leading to pain and reduced walking ability. The study will give carnosine supplements to PAD patients and measure changes in lower-extremity function. It also includes lab studies to understand how carnosine helps muscles, buffers pH, and may support angiogenesis and protection from harmful molecules. The goal is to see if a simple supplement could become a new, practical option to improve limb health and exercise tolerance in PAD.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, patients with PAD could gain improved leg function and quality of life through a relatively easy-to-take supplement.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in related muscle-ischemia contexts suggest potential benefits of carnosine for buffering and metabolism, but this specific approach in PAD is being tested.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Louisville
    Louisville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Baba, Shahid P — University of Louisville
  • Study coordinator: Baba, Shahid P

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.