Improving how medicines are absorbed through the gut
Polyesters with controlled topologies for probing transcytosis at the gut-blood barrier
This project aims to create new materials and tools to help deliver medicines more effectively when taken by mouth.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tuscaloosa, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11116934 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many medicines are taken by mouth, but it can be hard for them to get from the gut into the bloodstream effectively. This project is developing new types of plastic-like materials, called polyesters, that can carry drugs and help them cross the gut barrier. Researchers are also creating computer models to predict how these new drug carriers will behave in the body. The goal is to make it easier for important medicines to reach where they need to go after being swallowed.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is not recruiting patients directly but could eventually benefit anyone who needs to take medications by mouth.
Not a fit: Patients who do not require oral medications or whose conditions are not targeted by this specific drug delivery approach would not directly benefit from this particular research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to more effective oral medications, making it easier for patients to take their drugs and improving treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While polymer nanoparticles show promise for drug delivery, this project addresses current limitations by developing more versatile structures and predictive tools, building upon existing but incomplete approaches.
Where this research is happening
Tuscaloosa, United States
- University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa — Tuscaloosa, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Majeti, Ravikumar N — University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa
- Study coordinator: Majeti, Ravikumar N
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 below.