Developing safer and cheaper methods for delivering genes in cell therapies
Official title: Improving Non-Viral Gene Delivery, Integration, and Expression Methods for Cell Therapies
Funded at Villanova University · NIH-10973768 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on safer ways to deliver helpful genes into your cells for treating conditions like cancer and genetic disorders, using new materials instead of viruses, so that gene therapies can be more effective and easier for patients like you.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Villanova University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Villanova, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $364,167 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM155802-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10973768 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients with cancers or genetic disorders that are currently treated with CAR-T cell therapies or hematopoietic stem cell therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have conditions treatable by gene therapy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving non-viral gene delivery methods for cell therapies, which are used to treat various conditions including cancers and genetic disorders. The team aims to create new polymeric vehicles that can effectively deliver therapeutic genes to T cells and hematopoietic stem cells without the risks associated with current viral methods. They will also explore drugs that can enhance gene expression by temporarily inhibiting certain host cell proteins. By optimizing the integration of these genes into the cell genome, the research seeks to make gene therapies safer and more accessible for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer gene therapies for patients with serious conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in developing non-viral gene delivery methods, but this approach aims to address specific limitations of existing therapies.
Where this research is happening
-
Villanova University
Villanova, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Elmer, Jacob James — Villanova University
- Study coordinator: Elmer, Jacob James
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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.