Engineering red blood cells to stop severe bleeding
Official title: Hemostatic erythrocytes for acute non-compressible hemorrhage
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11051425 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help stop severe bleeding by using specially designed red blood cells that can stick to damaged blood vessels, which could be really helpful in emergencies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2025 |
| Project end | February 28, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $234,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HL177785-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11051425 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals at risk of severe bleeding due to trauma or surgical complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with bleeding disorders that are not related to acute hemorrhage may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating specially engineered red blood cells that can adhere to damaged blood vessels and help stop severe bleeding, particularly in emergency situations. The approach involves modifying red blood cells to target specific proteins found in blood clots, which may enhance their ability to plug wounds. The researchers will test these modified cells in laboratory settings and in animal models to evaluate their effectiveness in promoting clot formation and improving survival rates during severe hemorrhage. If successful, this innovative method could provide critical time for further medical interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates for patients experiencing severe, uncontrolled bleeding.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of engineering red blood cells for hemostatic purposes is novel, previous studies have shown promise in modifying blood components for enhanced clotting.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Simberg, Dmitri — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Simberg, Dmitri
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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.