Investigating the role of the immune system in a blood clotting disorder caused by heparin
Official title: Complement and thrombosis in HIT
Funded at Duke University · NIH-10991093 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a condition called heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) affects blood clotting, especially after stopping heparin treatment, and aims to find new ways to help patients stay safe and healthy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2025 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $799,424 |
| NIH project number | 2R01HL151730-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10991093 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients who have developed heparin-induced thrombocytopenia and are at risk for thrombotic complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not been exposed to heparin or do not have HIT may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT), a serious condition where the use of heparin leads to the formation of immune complexes that can cause blood clots. The study aims to understand how these immune complexes interact with the body's complement system and immune cells, which may contribute to ongoing clotting risks even after heparin is stopped. By exploring the mechanisms involved, the researchers hope to identify new therapeutic strategies that could improve patient outcomes. The approach involves laboratory experiments to analyze the interactions between antibodies, heparin, and immune cells.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatments for patients suffering from HIT, reducing their risk of dangerous blood clots.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results in targeting the complement system for similar thrombotic disorders, suggesting potential for success in this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arepally, Gowthami M — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Arepally, Gowthami M
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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.