Hydrogel-delivered stem cells to revive the diaphragm in Duchenne muscular dystrophy
Official title: Hydrogel delivery of stem cells to dystrophic diaphragm
Funded at Georgia Institute of Technology · NIH-11429194 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher team will test a gel-based way to deliver muscle stem cells into the diaphragm of people with Duchenne muscular dystrophy to help the diaphragm work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Georgia Institute of Technology NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $736,461 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL187527-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11429194 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with Duchenne muscular dystrophy who have diaphragm weakness but are able to participate in imaging assessments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diaphragm weakness or significant respiratory impairment, or those unable to undergo ultrasound monitoring, may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses a injectable hydrogel platform to deliver muscle stem cells directly into the dystrophic diaphragm with the aim of improving breathing and diaphragm function. The approach combines a specially engineered hydrogel with microneedle delivery to support stem cell survival, growth, and integration with the damaged muscle. Researchers will assess improvements in diaphragm function using ultrasound imaging and look for signs of muscle regeneration. The work is designed to translate basic science into a potential therapy that could reduce respiratory complications in Duchenne patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could improve breathing and quality of life for people with Duchenne by strengthening the diaphragm.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show promise for stem cell therapies and biomaterials in muscle repair, but this specific hydrogel-delivery to the dystrophic diaphragm is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Garcia, Andres J — Georgia Institute of Technology
- Study coordinator: Garcia, Andres J
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.