Creating new materials for targeted drug delivery using sound waves
Official title: Development of Chemical Platforms for Acoustically Controlled Molecular Delivery
Funded at California Institute of Technology · NIH-11062538 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to deliver medications using sound waves, which could help patients get their treatments more precisely and with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | California Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pasadena, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $425,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R35GM150988-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11062538 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals requiring targeted drug delivery for conditions that could benefit from innovative therapeutic approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not require targeted drug delivery or those who are not responsive to ultrasound-based therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative materials that can release drugs in response to sound waves. By using mechanical force to activate specific chemical reactions in specially designed molecules, the project aims to create polymers that can deliver medications precisely where they are needed in the body. The approach involves using biocompatible ultrasound technology to control the release of these drugs, potentially improving treatment outcomes for various medical conditions. Patients may benefit from more effective and targeted therapies with fewer side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and targeted drug delivery systems that minimize side effects and improve patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in polymer mechanochemistry and targeted drug delivery has shown promising results, indicating that this approach could be a significant advancement in the field.
Where this research is happening
-
California Institute of Technology
Pasadena, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Robb, Maxwell J — California Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Robb, Maxwell J
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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.