NIH-funded research Sbir 2 grant

LDT to Support Clinical Evaluation of a Drug for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Official title: Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) to Support Clinical Evaluation of a Drug for Painful Diabetic Neuropathy

Funded at Plumeria Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11384238 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A lab-developed test is being developed to help tailor a drug treatment for people with painful diabetic neuropathy by matching it to patients’ biological markers.

More Neuropathy research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionPlumeria Therapeutics, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Plainsboro, UNITED STATES)
Project startSeptember 20, 2021
Project endMay 31, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$1,499,999
NIH project number5R44NS120617-03
Project IDNIH-11384238 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with painful diabetic neuropathy who may be considered for the tested drug and for whom a biomarker-guided treatment decision could apply.

Less likely to help

Patients without the biomarker profile associated with a favorable response or those not receiving the targeted drug may not benefit from this test-directed approach.

What this research studies

This project aims to use a laboratory-developed test to guide the clinical evaluation of a therapy for painful diabetic neuropathy, focusing on biomarkers related to inflammation and chemokine signaling. By analyzing patient blood samples and gene expression related to the CCR2 receptor, the team hopes to identify which patients are most likely to benefit from the drug. The approach builds on prior trials and seeks to account for genetic differences that may affect treatment response. The work involves translating lab findings into a test that could inform clinical decisions in real-world care.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the test could help personalize treatment for PDN and improve pain relief for patients who respond best to the drug.

How similar studies have gone: Previous trials showed the drug was safe and tolerable, and this project seeks to improve outcomes by incorporating genetic and biomarker information.

Where this research is happening

  • Plumeria Therapeutics, INC.
    Plainsboro, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Richardson, Thomas P — Plumeria Therapeutics, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Richardson, Thomas P

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
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.