Improving drug delivery for better treatment outcomes
Official title: Prodrug engineering for enhanced biodistribution and pharmacokinetics
Funded at University of Miami Coral Gables · NIH-10940885 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new ways to help small drugs used for treating diseases like cancer and heart problems reach the right places in the body more effectively, so patients can feel better with fewer side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami Coral Gables NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $372,582 |
| NIH project number | 1R35GM155068-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10940885 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with cancers or cardiovascular diseases who may benefit from improved drug delivery systems.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve the use of small molecular drugs or those who are not undergoing treatment for the targeted diseases may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the delivery and effectiveness of small molecular drugs used to treat various diseases, including cancer and cardiovascular conditions. It aims to develop innovative drug delivery systems that can improve how these drugs are distributed in the body and how they interact with target sites. The approach includes creating targeted prodrugs that bind to albumin in the bloodstream, allowing for more efficient transport to diseased areas, and responsive polymer prodrugs that release medication in a controlled manner. By addressing the limitations of current drug delivery methods, this research seeks to reduce side effects and improve therapeutic outcomes for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments with fewer side effects for patients suffering from serious diseases.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in improving drug delivery systems, indicating that this approach has the potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami Coral Gables
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Fuwu — University of Miami Coral Gables
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Fuwu
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Sub-second acetylcholine release in the brain for Alzheimer’s dementia
A small, quick stimulations-based study aims to boost a brain chemical called acetylcholine to help people with Alzheimer’s disease by using a targeted brain stimulation approach.
-
Understanding how broadly neutralizing antibodies may help HIV cure trials
A study at UC San Francisco looks at how antibody medicines behave in people on and off HIV therapy to help design better cure strategies.
-
Improving HIV-related brain infections by studying how drugs reach the brain
This grant looks at how well drugs reach the brain and spine to treat HIV-related infections like cryptococcal meningitis and TB meningitis in people with AIDS.
-
Transdermal delivery patch for zanamivir to treat influenza in patients
A new skin patch delivers zanamivir to people with flu or at risk of flu, aiming for easier, safer treatment than pills.
-
Chesapeake-Ohio Pharmacokinetics Core supports cancer drug testing
A collaborative core lab helps researchers study how cancer drugs behave in the body to improve clinical trials and patient care.
-
Urine color test to check tuberculosis drug levels in children and adults
This project uses a simple urine color test to see whether children and adults with TB are getting enough of key TB medicines like rifampin.
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.