Developing new lipids to deliver RNA into cells
Official title: Ionizable Triazine Lipids for RNA Delivery
Funded at Gettysburg College · NIH-11124451 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new ways to help deliver RNA treatments into cells more effectively, which could lead to better therapies for genetic disorders and other diseases that need gene editing or silencing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Gettysburg College NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gettysburg, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $365,616 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM159302-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11124451 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with genetic disorders or conditions that could be treated with RNA therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve RNA-based therapies may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a new library of ionizable triazine lipids that can effectively package RNA into lipid nanoparticles for cellular delivery. RNA therapies have the potential to treat various diseases by silencing genes or editing genetic material, but delivering RNA into cells is challenging due to its size and instability. The researchers aim to enhance the delivery process by studying how different lipid structures interact with RNA and cell membranes, ultimately improving the effectiveness of RNA-based treatments. Patients may benefit from advancements in RNA therapies that could lead to new treatments for genetic disorders and other diseases.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective RNA-based therapies for a variety of diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery, indicating that this approach has potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Gettysburg College
Gettysburg, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Funk, Timothy William — Gettysburg College
- Study coordinator: Funk, Timothy William
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Creating new mini-enzymes to help break down molecules in the body
This study is working on creating tiny artificial enzymes that help break down molecules with water, which is important for many body processes, and it aims to improve our understanding of how these enzymes can help treat rare genetic diseases caused by enzyme problems.
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.