NIH-funded research R01 grant

Localized EDTA Therapy to Remove Calcification in PAD

Official title: Localized Chelation Therapy for Removing Calcification in PAD

Funded at University of Nebraska Omaha · NIH-11408754 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A new, targeted EDTA treatment delivered directly to calcified leg arteries aims to reduce calcium buildup and improve blood flow for people with peripheral artery disease.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Nebraska Omaha
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Omaha, United States)
Project startSeptember 5, 2025
Project endJune 30, 2029
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$652,762
NIH project number5R01HL180371-02
Project IDNIH-11408754 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with peripheral artery disease and arterial calcification who may benefit from targeted EDTA chelation therapy.

Less likely to help

Patients without significant lower-extremity arterial calcification or those not suitable for catheter-based delivery may not benefit.

What this research studies

This project tests a novel approach to remove arterial calcium by delivering EDTA directly into calcified leg arteries using a microneedle catheter. Researchers will study how well this local delivery reduces calcification, lowers inflammation, and enhances limb movement and blood flow, while avoiding systemic side effects. They will analyze human donor arteries and a large animal model to understand how the treatment distributes, its tissue effects, and the timing and dose needed. The study builds on extensive experience with calcified human arteries and aims to translate findings into safer, more effective care for PAD patients.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lessen amputation risk and improve mobility for PAD patients by directly targeting arterial calcification.

How similar studies have gone: Prior work has explored EDTA chelation broadly, but this project uses a targeted, local delivery method in human tissues and a preclinical large-animal model, representing a novel approach with promising potential.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Nebraska Omaha
    Omaha, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Kamenskiy, Alexey — University of Nebraska Omaha
  • Study coordinator: Kamenskiy, Alexey

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • TLR7 activation and natural killer (NK) cell killing in humans

    A study to see how stimulating TLR7 affects how human NK cells kill target cells through antibody-assisted activity.

    NIH research University of Nebraska Omaha · Omaha, United States · NIH-11444131

  • Breathable, moisture-balancing dressing for ischemic leg ulcers

    A new breathable wound dressing aims to help people with ischemic PAD ulcers heal faster and avoid infection.

    NIH research University of Nebraska Omaha · Omaha, United States · NIH-11333257

  • Leg bypass graft that mimics natural artery stretch

    This project makes and tests new leg bypass grafts that mimic the natural longitudinal stretch of thigh arteries to help people with blocked leg arteries.

    NIH research University of Nebraska Omaha · Omaha, United States · NIH-11333254

  • How sex differences affect the way blood vessels make elastic fibers

    This work looks at how being male or female changes the way arteries build and repair elastic fibers, which can influence artery stiffness and heart disease risk.

    NIH research University of Nebraska Omaha · Omaha, United States · NIH-11333250

  • NIR probes to visualize ovarian cancer during surgery

    A new near-infrared imaging tool made from DNA-templated silver clusters could help doctors find and remove ovarian cancer tissue more accurately during surgery.

    NIH research University of Nebraska Omaha · Omaha, United States · NIH-11292234

  • Lower-body heat therapy for long COVID recovery

    This project will try home-based lower-body heat therapy to help middle-aged and older adults with long COVID improve daily function and cardiovascular/metabolic health.

    NIH research University of Nebraska Omaha · Omaha, United States · NIH-11181611

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.