Creating a targeted treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms using nanofibers
Official title: Development of an Intravenously Delivered Nanofiber to Target MMP-2 in Aortic Aneurysms
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-11017734 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to treat abdominal aortic aneurysms using tiny fibers that can be delivered through an IV, which are designed to target a specific enzyme in the aneurysm tissue to help stop it from growing and possibly even shrink it.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | February 25, 2023 |
| Project end | February 24, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $86,932 |
| NIH project number | 5F32HL156515-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11017734 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with abdominal aortic aneurysms, particularly those with small to large aneurysms exhibiting elevated MMP-2 levels.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without abdominal aortic aneurysms or those with other unrelated vascular conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs) by using specially designed nanofibers that can be delivered intravenously. These nanofibers are engineered to specifically target and bind to MMP-2, an enzyme that is overexpressed in aneurysmal tissue. By targeting this enzyme, the treatment aims to prevent the growth of AAAs and potentially reverse their progression. The research involves optimizing the nanofiber structure and testing its effectiveness in binding to the aneurysmal tissue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel treatment that significantly reduces the risk of AAA enlargement and related complications.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been promising preclinical studies on various therapeutic approaches for AAAs, the specific use of MMP-2-targeting nanofibers represents a novel approach that has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ledford, Benjamin — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Ledford, Benjamin
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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.