Making targeted medicines work better by boosting their effects
The Conundrum of Absentee Receptors: Efficacy Potentiation Through Drug-Receptor Modulation
['FUNDING_R01'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) · NIH-11124088
This project aims to create new ways to deliver medicines that help them work more effectively by increasing the number of 'receptors' on cells that the medicine can attach to.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11124088 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many advanced medicines, called biotherapeutics, are designed to target specific cells in the body, but they only work well if there are enough 'receptors' on those cells for the medicine to attach to. This project is developing a clever new drug delivery system that not only brings the medicine directly to the right spot but also helps cells produce more of these important receptors. By increasing both the medicine's presence and the number of targets, we hope to make treatments much more powerful. For example, this approach is being explored to improve treatment for conditions like shoulder contracture, where it could help restore movement.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Patients with conditions where targeted biotherapeutics are used but their effectiveness is limited by the number of available receptors, such as those with shoulder contracture, might eventually benefit.
Not a fit: Patients whose conditions do not involve issues with receptor density or who are not candidates for biotherapeutic treatments may not directly benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective treatments for various conditions by making targeted medicines work better, potentially reducing the required dose or improving outcomes.
How similar studies have performed: While advanced drug delivery systems are improving, the specific strategy of co-administering a drug with a receptor-boosting agent in a localized and prolonged manner is a novel combination being explored.
Where this research is happening
BOSTON, UNITED STATES
- BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS) — BOSTON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: GRINSTAFF, MARK W. — BOSTON UNIVERSITY (CHARLES RIVER CAMPUS)
- Study coordinator: GRINSTAFF, MARK W.
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.