Improving recovery from nerve injuries using a new hydrogel treatment
Official title: Restoration of Neuromuscular Function Following Critical Nerve Gap Injuries
Funded at Renerva, LLC · NIH-11008153 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new gel that helps heal serious nerve injuries, especially for those with big gaps, to see if it can make recovery easier and improve how well patients can use their nerves again.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Renerva, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $499,999 |
| NIH project number | 1R43NS137898-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11008153 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with significant peripheral nerve injuries, particularly those with gaps larger than 3 cm.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with minor nerve injuries or those whose injuries do not involve significant gaps may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the recovery of patients with critical nerve gap injuries by utilizing a novel tissue-based hydrogel called Peripheral Nerve Matrix (PNM). The approach aims to improve functional outcomes following nerve repair procedures, particularly for injuries with gaps larger than 3 cm, which are typically challenging to treat. By modulating the early events in nerve regeneration, such as macrophage recruitment, the study seeks to address the common issues of slow axonal regrowth and scarring that hinder recovery. Patients participating in this research may receive treatment that could significantly improve their quality of life and functional abilities.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better recovery outcomes for patients suffering from severe nerve injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While there are existing products for nerve repair, this approach using PNM is novel and aims to provide improvements over current methods, which have not shown compelling clinical outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Renerva, LLC
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Soletti, Lorenzo — Renerva, LLC
- Study coordinator: Soletti, Lorenzo
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Restoring muscle function after nerve injury
This study is looking at a new way to help people recover muscle function after nerve injuries by connecting nerves directly to muscles, and it aims to make this method even better with a special support system, so patients can heal and regain strength more effectively.
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.