Cell-penetrating peptides to deliver medicines into cells
Development of cell-permeable peptides and proteins
['FUNDING_OTHER'] · OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11324889
They are creating small protein-based carriers that can enter cells and deliver new types of medicines for people with genetic and hard-to-treat diseases.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_OTHER'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11324889 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
The team is designing cyclic cell-penetrating peptides that carry large therapeutic proteins, peptides, or nucleic acids into the interior of mammalian cells. They test how these carriers get into cells, escape endosomes, and release their cargo using laboratory and animal models. The researchers attach these delivery peptides to different therapeutic molecules to target intracellular protein-protein interactions that current drugs cannot reach. Over time this work aims to show safety and effectiveness of the delivery method before moving toward human treatments.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Eventually, people with inherited genetic disorders caused by abnormal intracellular proteins — especially those without effective treatments — would be the most likely candidates for therapies developed from this work.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions are driven by extracellular targets or non-genetic causes may not benefit directly from these intracellular delivery technologies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enable treatments that fix or block disease-causing proteins inside cells, expanding options for many genetic diseases that now lack drugs.
How similar studies have performed: Related cell-penetrating peptide approaches have produced promising results in lab and animal studies, but broadly effective clinical therapies based on this method remain largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
Columbus, UNITED STATES
- OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY — Columbus, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PEI, DEHUA — OHIO STATE UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: PEI, DEHUA
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 below.