Exosome therapy to protect the heart after a heart attack
Official title: Enhancing the translational potential of therapeutic exosomes for ischemic heart disease
Funded at VA Western New York Healthcare System · NIH-11213940 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Engineered cell-derived exosomes are being developed to carry protective molecules to heart cells after a heart attack to limit damage and improve recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Western New York Healthcare System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Buffalo, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005998-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11213940 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults (21+) who have experienced an acute myocardial infarction would be the eventual candidates for therapies developed from this research.
✕Less likely to help
People without recent ischemic heart injury or those with non-ischemic forms of heart disease may not benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
If you've had a heart attack, this work focuses on tiny natural particles called exosomes that can deliver helpful molecules to heart cells. Researchers are changing the cargo inside exosomes (including microRNAs) and adding surface tags so the exosomes better find and stick to heart muscle. Most tests use animal models to see whether systemically given, heart-targeted exosomes can reduce heart muscle damage and improve healing. The long-term goal is a therapy that can be given through the bloodstream rather than injected directly into the heart.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce the amount of heart muscle lost after a heart attack and help preserve heart function.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work with cardiosphere-derived cell exosomes has improved cardiac repair in animals, but targeted systemic delivery is a newer and less-tested approach.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Western New York Healthcare System
Buffalo, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lang, Jennifer K — VA Western New York Healthcare System
- Study coordinator: Lang, Jennifer K
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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.