Creating new oral treatments for ulcerative colitis using plant cells
Official title: Engineering novel designer biologics in plant cells for oral treatment of ulcerative colitis
Funded at Arkansas State University · NIH-10202300 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to create oral medications for people with ulcerative colitis by using proteins made in plant cells, which could lead to better treatments with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Arkansas State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (State University, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2021 |
| Award (this year) | $395,242 |
| NIH project number | 1R15DK128757-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10202300 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with ulcerative colitis who are seeking alternative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of inflammatory bowel disease, such as Crohn's disease, may not benefit directly from this specific research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative oral biologic drugs for ulcerative colitis by engineering proteins in plant cells. The approach utilizes plant cell cultures as both a production platform and a delivery vehicle for therapeutic proteins, aiming to enhance drug efficacy while minimizing side effects. By modifying these proteins with specific chemical structures, the research seeks to create a new class of anti-inflammatory agents that can be taken orally. This method could potentially improve treatment outcomes for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective and safer oral treatment option for patients with ulcerative colitis.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of plant cells for drug production is a promising area, this specific approach to oral biologic drugs for ulcerative colitis is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Arkansas State University
State University, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Xu, Jianfeng — Arkansas State University
- Study coordinator: Xu, Jianfeng
Related research
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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.