Improving heart repair using specialized cell secretions

Maximizing Therapeutic Accumulation and Retention for Enhanced Cardiac Repair

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11056812

This study is looking at a new way to help deliver tiny particles from stem cells to the heart after a heart attack, which could make it easier for patients to recover and improve heart function without needing invasive treatments.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-11056812 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on enhancing the delivery of extracellular vesicles (EVs) derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to the heart after a heart attack. The goal is to overcome challenges related to the rapid diffusion and short retention of these therapeutic agents in the heart tissue. By developing a novel delivery strategy, the research aims to improve the accumulation of EVs in the damaged heart, potentially leading to better cardiac repair and function. Patients may benefit from a less invasive treatment option that could enhance recovery after myocardial infarction.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a myocardial infarction and are at risk of developing heart failure.

Not a fit: Patients with non-ischemic heart conditions or those who have not experienced a heart attack may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved heart repair and function for patients recovering from heart attacks.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using extracellular vesicles for cardiac repair, but this approach aims to address significant delivery challenges that have not yet been overcome.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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 2026-06-15 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.