MMP-responsive biomaterials to treat a heart attack
Official title: MMP responsive polymeric materials for treating acute myocardial infarction
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11394332 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A heart-attack treatment using smart materials that release healing therapies right where the heart was damaged, aimed at people who’ve had a heart attack.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2017 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $568,165 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL139001-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394332 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who have suffered an acute myocardial infarction and are eligible for catheter-based therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not suitable for catheter-based delivery or with conditions excluding biomaterial-based therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project develops injectable, matrix-like materials that respond to enzymes active after a heart attack and deliver healing agents directly to the damaged heart tissue. It envisions minimally invasive delivery via catheter, reducing the need for risky surgical injections. If successful, the approach could limit progression to heart failure and improve recovery after acute myocardial infarction. The work focuses on translating a promising biomaterial strategy toward safe use in patients who have experienced an MI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients who have had a heart attack could recover better and have a lower risk of future heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies show promise for biomaterial-based therapies but require further translation to human use.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Christman, Karen L — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Christman, Karen L
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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.