Improving treatment for diabetic foot ulcers with a new hydrogel
Official title: Advancing Diabetic Foot Ulcer Treatment with Provasliex, a Controlled PDGF Release Hydrogel for Promoting Vascularization and Managing Overactive Inflammation
Funded at Gelsana Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11007010 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new gel that helps heal diabetic foot ulcers by slowly releasing a special growth factor, making it easier for people with diabetes to recover without needing to change their dressings as often.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Gelsana Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, United States) |
| Project start | September 5, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $324,992 |
| NIH project number | 1R43DK141293-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11007010 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with diabetes who are experiencing foot ulcers or lower leg ulcerations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without diabetes or those who do not have diabetic foot ulcers may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing Provasliex GelTM, a hydrogel that releases platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) in a controlled manner to enhance healing for diabetic foot ulcers. With diabetes affecting around 37 million people in the U.S., and a significant portion suffering from foot ulcers, this innovative approach aims to address the limitations of current treatments that often fail to manage inflammation effectively. By providing a steady supply of PDGF, the gel could potentially reduce the need for frequent dressing changes and improve overall healing outcomes for patients. The study will evaluate the gel's effectiveness in promoting vascularization and managing inflammation in diabetic wounds.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to faster healing of diabetic foot ulcers and a reduction in the need for amputations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown that controlled release of PDGF can improve wound healing, indicating a promising avenue for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Gelsana Therapeutics, INC.
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rocker, Adam — Gelsana Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Rocker, Adam
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
Home-based exercise to help Veterans recover after healed diabetic foot ulcers
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-
Wound fluid test to predict healing in diabetic foot ulcers
This project looks for chemical signals in the fluid from diabetic foot ulcers that could tell adults with diabetes whether a wound will heal with standard care or need a different treatment.
-
Identifying biomarkers in wound fluid for diabetic foot ulcers
This study is looking at special substances in the fluid from diabetic foot ulcers to see if they can help doctors predict how well the wounds will heal, which could lead to better and more personalized treatments for people with these types of wounds.
-
Investigating gene markers that affect healing in diabetic foot ulcers
This study is looking at how inflammation affects the healing of foot ulcers in people with diabetes, and it's creating a special test to help doctors understand how well these wounds are healing so they can provide better, personalized care for patients.
-
Home exercise program to help Veterans recover after a recently healed diabetic foot ulcer
A home-based exercise program designed to help Veterans who recently healed from a diabetic foot ulcer regain strength, mobility, and independence.
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.