Modified mRNA bandage for diabetic foot ulcers
Official title: Use of Modified mRNA for the Treatment of Diabetic Foot Ulceration
Funded at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center · NIH-11311354 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new topical wound dressing that releases modified mRNA aims to help people with diabetic foot ulcers heal faster and avoid complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | April 19, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $731,010 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK136699-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11311354 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with diabetes who have chronic or non-healing foot ulcers would be the likely candidates for this work.
✕Less likely to help
People without diabetic foot ulcers or those with rapidly worsening infected or gangrenous wounds may not benefit or may not be eligible.
What this research studies
Researchers analyzed cells from human diabetic foot ulcers to identify genes linked to successful healing. In the lab they made alginate bandages that deliver lipid nanoparticles carrying modified mRNAs (including CHI3L1, IL-17A, FGF-2, and IL-2) and saw improved wound closure in diabetic mice. The project will refine which mRNAs to combine and the timing of their release so the dressing better mimics the body’s natural healing signals. If moved into people, the therapy would be applied as a topical dressing with regular clinic follow-up to monitor wound healing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could speed ulcer healing, lower infection risk, and reduce the chance of limb amputation.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work in diabetic mice showed improved healing with these mRNA-releasing bandages, but using modified mRNA topically for human wound healing is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Veves, Aristidis — Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Veves, Aristidis
Related research
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Wound fluid test to predict healing in diabetic foot ulcers
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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.