Enhanced biochemical monitoring for aortic aneurysm disease
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11330287 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses blood-based biomarkers to diagnose, locate, and track aortic aneurysms so doctors can better time treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $639,167 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169390-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11330287 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with or at risk for aortic aneurysm who could provide blood samples or be followed for disease progression.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without aneurysms or those not contributing samples may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project plans to build and test plasma biomarker assays using a large bank of patient blood samples to monitor aneurysm disease. It focuses on identifying markers linked to tissue breakdown in the aorta and making these measurements automated, scalable, and suitable for routine use. If successful, these tests could complement or reduce reliance on expensive imaging to guide when surgery is needed. Patients with known aneurysms or at-risk individuals may benefit from earlier detection and more precise monitoring.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could receive earlier, more accurate monitoring and better-timed interventions based on blood tests.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies show promise for blood biomarker panels in vascular diseases, but validated AA-specific assays are not yet routine.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akerman, Adam William — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Akerman, Adam William
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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.