NIH-funded research R21 grant

Investigating the risk of cerebral amyloid angiopathy from blood transfusions

Official title: Possible transfusion transmitted cerebral amyloid angiopathy: evaluation of transmission of Aβ using the RADAR repository

Funded at Vitalant · NIH-10954688 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking into whether getting a blood transfusion from someone who later develops cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) could increase your chances of having the same condition, which can cause serious brain issues.

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVitalant
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Scottsdale, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2024
Project endAugust 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$131,250
NIH project number1R21HL175170-01
Project IDNIH-10954688 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have received blood transfusions and are at risk for developing cerebral amyloid angiopathy.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not received blood transfusions or those without risk factors for CAA may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research explores the potential transmission of cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) through blood transfusions. It focuses on the aggregation of amyloid beta (Aβ) in the brain, which can lead to severe complications such as spontaneous intracerebral hemorrhage. By analyzing data from blood transfusion records, the study aims to determine if patients who received blood from donors later diagnosed with CAA are at increased risk of developing this condition themselves. The methodology involves a retrospective cohort analysis using a large database to identify patterns and risks associated with blood transfusions.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved safety protocols for blood transfusions, potentially reducing the risk of CAA in patients.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential risks associated with blood transfusions and prion-like transmission, suggesting that this area of investigation is both relevant and necessary.

Where this research is happening

  • Vitalant
    Scottsdale, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Busch, Michael Paul — Vitalant
  • Study coordinator: Busch, Michael Paul

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.
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Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.