Light-controlled delivery system for clot-busting medicines
Assembly, Dosimetry, and Assessment of a Platform Technology for the Delivery of Thrombolytics
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · NIH-11259440
Researchers are developing a light-activated way to carry and release clot-busting medicines inside the bloodstream for people with dangerous blood clots.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11259440 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project builds a bioengineered delivery platform that links thrombolytic enzymes to vitamin B12 and uses cells in the blood to carry the medicine until it is released by a targeted light pulse. The team aims to make the system work with different clot-busting proteins, combine multiple drugs for synergy, and tune release so it reaches deep tissues. They will study how factors like skin pigmentation, body mass index, irradiation settings, and sex affect delivery and dosing. Safety testing will also look at situations where current thrombolytic therapy is normally unsafe.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with acute or dangerous blood clots who are candidates for thrombolytic therapy may be the best fit for this work.
Not a fit: People without clotting problems or those who cannot receive thrombolytic drugs or light-based procedures likely would not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could deliver clot-busting drugs much more precisely and effectively while lowering bleeding risks and expanding treatment options for hard-to-reach clots.
How similar studies have performed: The overall idea is novel, with promising early animal results showing much stronger delivery, but human effectiveness and safety are not yet established.
Where this research is happening
CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES
- UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL — CHAPEL HILL, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: LAWRENCE, DAVID S. — UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- Study coordinator: LAWRENCE, DAVID S.
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 below.