Exploring how to improve drug delivery using tiny polymer particles.
Official title: Investigations of drug encapsulation in polymer nanoparticles: Training undergraduate students in multidisciplinary research
Funded at Georgetown University · NIH-10974800 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how tiny particles can help deliver medications better, especially those that don’t mix well with water, so that patients can get more effective treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgetown University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $446,239 |
| NIH project number | 1R15GM155853-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10974800 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients requiring medications that have poor solubility and bioavailability.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve the use of poorly soluble drugs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of polymer nanoparticles to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of drugs, particularly those that are poorly soluble in water. By employing a method called flash nanoprecipitation, the study aims to systematically evaluate how well small drug molecules can be encapsulated within these nanoparticles. This approach not only seeks to optimize the encapsulation process but also to develop predictive models that can guide future drug formulation efforts. Patients may benefit from improved drug therapies that are more effective and have better bioavailability.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective drug formulations that improve treatment outcomes for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using nanoparticle formulations for drug delivery, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgetown University
Washington, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Van Keuren, Edward — Georgetown University
- Study coordinator: Van Keuren, Edward
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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.