Developing a targeted therapy using extracellular vesicles for multiple sclerosis
Official title: Engineering an extracellular vesicle-based targeted regenerative nanotherapeutic for multiple sclerosis
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-10982308 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new treatment for multiple sclerosis by using special tiny particles from stem cells found in the placenta to help repair the damaged nerves in your body, with the hope of improving your symptoms and overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $478,417 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS131538-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10982308 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, particularly those experiencing relapses or progressive symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other neurological conditions unrelated to multiple sclerosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new treatment for multiple sclerosis (MS) by engineering extracellular vesicles derived from placenta-derived stem cells. These vesicles are designed to target and repair the damaged myelin sheath in the nervous system, which is crucial for restoring function in MS patients. The approach involves isolating and expanding these stem cells and testing their ability to promote healing and improve neurological outcomes in preclinical models. If successful, this therapy could offer a novel way to manage MS and reduce its debilitating effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking treatment option that not only alleviates symptoms but also promotes recovery from neurological damage in MS patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles for treating autoimmune diseases, indicating a potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Aijun — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Wang, Aijun
Related research
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Promoting brain repair in MS with a natural compound that nudges neural stem cells
A researcher is testing a natural-product–based compound that may help people with multiple sclerosis repair nerve damage by guiding brain stem cells to become neurons and myelin-producing cells.
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A new therapy using tiny biopolymer particles given through the vein aims to retrain B cells to tolerate the immune system in people with multiple sclerosis.
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.