Investigating how a beta blocker can improve wound healing in diabetic foot ulcers
Official title: Multiple targets for beta adrenergic antagonist mediate wound healing
Funded at VA Northern California Health Care Sys · NIH-10910976 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a medication called timolol can help heal diabetic foot ulcers, and it’s for people with diabetes who are dealing with these tough wounds; researchers want to see how well it works and understand why, while also using technology to predict which ulcers might heal with regular treatment.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA Northern California Health Care Sys NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Mather, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | September 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01CX002482-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10910976 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients with diabetes who are experiencing diabetic foot ulcers.
✕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 diabetic foot ulcers, a serious complication for many patients with diabetes. It explores the use of timolol, a beta adrenergic receptor antagonist, applied topically to enhance the healing process of these ulcers. The study aims to understand the mechanisms behind timolol's effectiveness by analyzing wound tissue and microbiota from patients treated with the drug compared to those who are not. Additionally, machine learning techniques will be employed to predict which ulcers are likely to heal with standard care.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved healing of diabetic foot ulcers, reducing the risk of severe complications such as infections and amputations.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using beta blockers for wound healing, but this specific approach is novel and aims to uncover new mechanisms.
Where this research is happening
-
VA Northern California Health Care Sys
Mather, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Isseroff, Roslyn Rivkah — VA Northern California Health Care Sys
- Study coordinator: Isseroff, Roslyn Rivkah
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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.