Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 to Reduce High Lipids and Plaque in Adults with Diabetes
Official title: Fibroblast Growth Factor 1 Prevents Hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11535001 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses a modified FGF1 protein to lower bad cholesterol and prevent artery plaque buildup in adults with Type 2 diabetes, aiming for safer and more effective treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2021 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $520,374 |
| NIH project number | 7R01HL160927-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11535001 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with adult-onset diabetes who are at risk for atherosclerosis and could benefit from improved lipid balance and reduced arterial plaque.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those without elevated cardiovascular risk may not benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This project looks at a specially engineered FGF1 protein designed to reduce plaque formation and improve lipid balance without the cancer risk seen with the normal protein. Researchers will study how FGF1ΔHBS acts in models of diabetes and atherosclerosis to lower LDL cholesterol and support healthier fat tissue. The work focuses on translating these findings toward therapies that could someday help people with adult-onset diabetes reduce heart disease risk. The study involves animal models and molecular studies to understand mechanism, safety, and metabolic effects. If proven safe and effective, this approach could lead to new treatment options beyond current cholesterol-lowering drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could offer a safer way to lower heart disease risk for people with adult-onset diabetes by reducing LDL and plaque buildup.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show metabolic benefits of engineered FGF1 in animal models, but safety optimization is needed before human trials.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tan, Yi — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Tan, Yi
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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.