Helping muscles heal from scarring using special cells

Engineering Mesenchymal Stromal Cells to treat Muscle Fibrosis

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY · NIH-11092212

This research explores how specially prepared cells might help reduce muscle scarring, which is a problem in conditions like muscular dystrophy.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCOLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY (nih funded)
Locations1 site (FORT COLLINS, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11092212 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

Our muscles can sometimes develop scarring, called fibrosis, which makes them stiff and weak. This project looks at using special cells called mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), which are known for their ability to help repair tissues. We are developing a new way to coat these MSCs with a special gel that helps them become more effective at breaking down scar tissue. By understanding how these coated cells work, we hope to find a new way to reduce muscle fibrosis and improve muscle health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This early-stage research is not yet recruiting patients, but future studies might involve individuals experiencing muscle fibrosis due to conditions such as muscular dystrophy.

Not a fit: Patients without muscle fibrosis or those with conditions not involving this type of scarring may not directly benefit from this specific approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to new treatments that reduce muscle scarring and improve muscle function for people with conditions like muscular dystrophy.

How similar studies have performed: While MSCs have been explored in many clinical trials, this specific method of engineering MSCs with gel coatings to enhance their scar-reducing abilities is a novel approach.

Where this research is happening

FORT COLLINS, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.