Creating improved gene therapy vectors for muscular dystrophies

Development of optimized AAVrh74 vectors for gene therapy of muscular dystrophies

['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA · NIH-10768732

This study is working on improving a type of virus used in gene therapy to help treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) by making it safer and more effective, so that patients can benefit from better treatments with fewer side effects.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (GAINESVILLE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10768732 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing advanced adeno-associated virus (AAV) vectors to enhance gene therapy for Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). The team aims to modify the AAV capsid protein and genome to create more effective and less immunogenic vectors, which could deliver therapeutic genes more efficiently. By combining these modifications, the researchers hope to significantly improve the efficacy of gene therapy while minimizing adverse effects. This work is particularly relevant as current therapies have faced challenges, including serious side effects in clinical trials.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are children aged 0-21 diagnosed with Duchenne muscular dystrophy or related muscular dystrophies.

Not a fit: Patients with muscular dystrophies other than Duchenne or those outside the age range of 0-21 may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to safer and more effective gene therapies for children with muscular dystrophies, potentially improving their quality of life.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise with AAV vectors in gene therapy, but this approach aims to address limitations seen in earlier trials, making it a novel and potentially groundbreaking effort.

Where this research is happening

GAINESVILLE, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.