Glycosaminoglycan-Targeted Therapy for Enlarged Prostate and Tissue Scarring
Official title: Glycosaminoglycan Targeting Treatment for Prostatic Hyperplasia and Fibrosis
Funded at Augusta University · NIH-11386650 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment approach aims to help men with enlarged prostates by targeting a molecule linked to inflammation and scarring.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $615,750 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK140376-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11386650 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Men with symptomatic BPH (high IPSS) who have evidence of inflammatory/fibrotic changes in the prostate and are potential candidates for medical therapy.
✕Less likely to help
Men without BPH or those without inflammation/fibrosis-related pathology may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project tests an orally bioavailable drug that blocks hyaluronic acid production, which is elevated in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) patients with troublesome symptoms. Researchers will study how reducing that molecule affects prostate tissue in aging men and may lessen inflammation and fibrosis in the gland. The study combines analysis of human tissue from patients with BPH and experiments in mouse models to understand the therapy’s potential benefits and safety. If successful, the work could inform future trials and bring a therapy with a good safety profile to those who struggle with LUTS due to BPH.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If effective, the treatment could reduce urinary symptoms and slow tissue changes in BPH, improving quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows HA is linked to inflammation and fibrosis in BPH, and animal models mirror human patterns, suggesting therapeutic potential though outcomes in humans remain to be established.
Where this research is happening
-
Augusta University
Augusta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lokeshwar, Vinata B — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Lokeshwar, Vinata B
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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.