Delivering therapeutic macromolecules with cell-derived bioparticles
Official title: Leveraging cell-derived bioparticles for macromolecular delivery
Funded at Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res · NIH-11382122 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher aims to safely and efficiently deliver big therapeutic molecules into human cells using cell-derived bioparticles to help treat diseases.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,462,500 |
| NIH project number | 4DP5OD037342-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382122 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients whose diseases could be treated by intracellular macromolecule delivery or who might participate in future related trials once clinical-ready.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with diseases not driven by intracellular macromolecule delivery or who are unable to participate in early-stage delivery research may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores making and improving bioparticles, like virus-like particles and extracellular vesicles, to carry proteins or RNAs into target cells. Researchers will systematically test thousands of genetic tweaks in producer cells to boost bioparticle production while aiming to keep safety high. The work focuses on translating these delivery methods from the lab toward clinical use, tackling manufacturability hurdles that currently limit real-world application. If successful, the approach could enable more effective therapies that act inside cells with fewer delivery barriers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could benefit from new ways to deliver intracellular therapies more efficiently and safely.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work with bioparticles shows promise, but manufacturability remains a key hurdle that this project directly targets.
Where this research is happening
-
Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raguram, Aditya — Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Res
- Study coordinator: Raguram, Aditya
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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.