Gene therapies to prevent vein graft failure in heart and leg surgeries

Vascular-targeted Atheroprotective Gene therapies to Prevent Vein Graft Failure

NIH-funded research Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11094828

This study is looking at a new way to help improve the success of vein grafts used in heart and leg surgeries, especially for people with coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease, by using a special gene therapy that could help keep the grafts healthy and working better for longer.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionBeth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Boston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11094828 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving the success rates of vein grafts used in surgeries for coronary artery disease and peripheral arterial disease. It aims to address the high failure rates of these grafts, which can be as high as 50% within a decade, primarily due to a condition called intimal hyperplasia. The approach involves using a gene therapy targeting the A20 gene, which has shown promise in previous studies for its ability to protect blood vessels and reduce inflammation. By enhancing the healing process and maintaining the integrity of the grafts, this research seeks to improve patient outcomes significantly.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting or lower extremity bypass surgeries who are at risk of vein graft failure.

Not a fit: Patients who have already experienced vein graft failure or those not undergoing surgical procedures involving vein grafts may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments that significantly reduce the failure rates of vein grafts, improving recovery and long-term health for patients undergoing these procedures.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with gene therapies targeting vascular health, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

Boston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.