Controlling clot‑dissolving enzymes to make clot treatment safer
Modulating Fibrinolysis Dynamics by Leveraging Multivalent Avidity to Control Enzyme Activity
['FUNDING_R01'] · INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS · NIH-11121923
A new way to deliver clot‑dissolving enzymes for people with dangerous blood clots like pulmonary embolism or deep vein thrombosis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11121923 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Current clot‑busting drugs can trigger widespread bleeding because they activate the body's plasminogen everywhere rather than only at the clot. This project is developing enzymes engineered with multiple weak binding sites so they concentrate and become active mainly at clots, while resisting rapid inactivation in the blood. The team will refine the chemistry and test the approach in lab assays and preclinical models to measure how well clots are broken and whether bleeding risk is reduced. If those steps succeed, the approach would move toward early human testing at clinical sites.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with acute pulmonary embolism or large/symptomatic deep vein thrombosis who might benefit from clot‑dissolving therapy could be candidates for future trials of this approach.
Not a fit: People without thrombotic disease, those with active bleeding or certain bleeding disorders, or those who are stable on other treatments may not benefit from this experimental approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could provide a safer, more targeted clot‑dissolving treatment that reduces major bleeding while clearing dangerous clots.
How similar studies have performed: Existing drugs like tPA clear clots but carry high bleeding risk, and directly infusing active plasmin has been limited by rapid inactivation, so this multivalent control strategy is novel and not yet tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES
- INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS — INDIANAPOLIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ALVES, NATHAN J — INDIANA UNIVERSITY INDIANAPOLIS
- Study coordinator: ALVES, NATHAN J
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.