Creating a targeted mRNA treatment for atherosclerosis
Official title: Development of a novel site-and cell-selective mRNA therapeutic to treat atherosclerosis
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11080933 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment that uses special messenger RNA to help reduce inflammation and shrink plaque buildup in your blood vessels, which could be a safer and more effective option for people with atherosclerosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2023 |
| Project end | May 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $39,750 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL165849-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11080933 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with atherosclerosis or at high risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have atherosclerosis or related cardiovascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a novel messenger RNA (mRNA) therapeutic that specifically targets the cells responsible for atherosclerosis, a condition that leads to cardiovascular diseases. By using a combination of microRNA and small interfering RNA technologies, the approach seeks to reduce inflammation and promote the regression of atherosclerotic plaques while protecting healthy blood vessel cells. This innovative treatment could provide a non-invasive alternative to current therapies that only address risk factors rather than the underlying disease. Patients may be involved in trials to assess the safety and effectiveness of this targeted therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment that effectively reduces atherosclerosis and improves cardiovascular health.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using mRNA therapeutics is innovative, similar strategies targeting specific disease-causing cells have shown promise in other areas of research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hetherington, Isabella — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Hetherington, Isabella
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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.