Engineered tiny vesicles to reprogram and heal degenerated spinal discs
Official title: Novel non-viral reprogramming strategies to treat Discogenic back pain via engineered extracellular vesicles
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-11262849 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A non-surgical approach using engineered extracellular vesicles aims to reprogram damaged disc cells to restore disc health and reduce chronic disc-related low back pain for people with discogenic pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 10, 2022 |
| Project end | January 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $461,112 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR079485-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11262849 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults with imaging-confirmed intervertebral disc degeneration causing chronic discogenic low back pain who are seeking non-surgical, biologic treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose pain is due to non-disc causes (for example spinal stenosis, facet joint disease, or widespread neuropathic pain), those with severe spinal instability or prior fusion at the target level, or those without anatomically repairable discs are unlikely to benefit.
What this research studies
Researchers are developing tiny, cell-derived particles called extracellular vesicles that carry reprogramming signals into damaged disc tissue. The goal is to convert a patient’s own degenerated disc cells into a healthier, matrix-producing, anti-inflammatory state that blocks painful nerve and blood vessel ingrowth. Work will combine lab experiments and animal models to optimize vesicle design, delivery, and safety with the aim of moving toward treatments for people with discogenic back pain. If successful, the team plans to translate the approach into future human studies at clinical sites.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could restore disc structure and reduce chronic disc-related low back pain without major surgery or long-term opioid use.
How similar studies have gone: Related preclinical work using extracellular vesicles and non-viral reprogramming has shown promising tissue-repair effects in lab and animal models, but clinical evidence in people with discogenic back pain is still limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Purmessur (Walter), Devina — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Purmessur (Walter), Devina
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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.