Developing new treatments for heart and muscle injuries in older veterans

BLRD Research Career Scientist Award Application

NIH-funded research Veterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys · NIH-11103134

This study is exploring new ways to help older veterans heal better from heart and muscle injuries by looking at how certain signals in the body affect healing, with the hope of improving their recovery and overall quality of life.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Admin Palo Alto Health Care Sys NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Palo Alto, United States)
Project IDNIH-11103134 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating innovative therapies to enhance tissue regeneration and restore function in cardiovascular and skeletal muscle injuries, particularly in veterans aged 65 and older. The approach involves studying how biochemical and biomechanical signals in the extracellular matrix influence cell behavior and tissue function. By using engineered skeletal muscle that mimics natural muscle structure and vascularization, the research aims to improve recovery outcomes for veterans suffering from these conditions. The ultimate goal is to reduce mortality and enhance the quality of life for older veterans facing these health challenges.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans aged 65 and older who are experiencing cardiovascular diseases or traumatic muscle injuries.

Not a fit: Patients who are younger than 65 or do not have cardiovascular or muscle injuries may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery and quality of life for older veterans with cardiovascular and muscle injuries.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered tissues for regenerative medicine, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Palo Alto, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.