Investigating ways to prevent degeneration of heart valve replacements.
Official title: Pathophysiology and prevention of degeneration of heterograft biomaterials due to advanced glycation end products and serum protein infiltration
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11065470 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at ways to make heart valve replacements last longer and work better for people with severe heart valve disease by testing new treatments, including a vitamin B6 derivative and a special polymer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $48,974 |
| NIH project number | 5F31HL168909-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11065470 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from severe heart valve disease who may require bioprosthetic heart valve replacements.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have no need for heart valve replacements or those with conditions unrelated to heart valve disease may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving bioprosthetic heart valves, which are commonly used to replace damaged heart valves in patients with severe heart valve disease. The study aims to understand how advanced glycation end products and serum proteins contribute to the degeneration of these valves over time. By exploring the use of a vitamin B6 derivative and a novel polymer treatment, the research seeks to enhance the durability and effectiveness of these heart valves. Patients may benefit from improved heart valve replacements that last longer and function better.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to longer-lasting and more effective heart valve replacements for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar approaches to enhance the durability of bioprosthetic materials, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Thomas, Tina — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Thomas, Tina
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.