Creating a 3D model to test treatments for muscular dystrophy

Engineering Clinical Trials on a Chip for Dystrophin-Deficient Muscular Dystrophy

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10908595

This study is creating a special 3D muscle model using cells from people with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy to help understand how their muscles work and to test new treatments in a way that closely resembles real-life conditions.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-10908595 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research aims to develop a 3D engineered muscular tissue platform that mimics human muscle conditions in patients with Duchenne and Becker muscular dystrophy. By using advanced techniques, including induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) from affected individuals, the team will create muscle tissues that can be used to assess muscle function and test new therapies. The platform will allow for real-time evaluation of treatment effects, providing a more accurate representation of how potential therapies might work in actual patients.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children and young individuals diagnosed with Duchenne or Becker muscular dystrophy.

Not a fit: Patients with muscular dystrophy types other than Duchenne or Becker may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for muscular dystrophy, improving muscle function and quality of life for patients.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered tissues for drug testing, indicating that this approach could be effective.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.