Nanoparticle delivery to prevent AV fistula narrowing
Official title: Role of nanoparticle mediated drug delivery in preventing arteriovenous fistula stenosis
Funded at Pavaj Vascular Corporation · NIH-11405688 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new nanoparticle-based approach aims to prevent AV fistula narrowing in people with kidney failure who rely on dialysis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pavaj Vascular Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 2, 2026 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,094,070 |
| NIH project number | 1R44DK145259-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11405688 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with end-stage kidney disease requiring hemodialysis who have or are at risk for AV fistula venous stenosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without AV fistulas or those not at risk for venous stenosis may not benefit from this therapy.
What this research studies
This project focuses on stopping venous stenosis in arteriovenous fistulas by using nanoparticle delivery to modulate pathways linked to vein tissue growth. The work builds on animal models showing changes in specific genes when fistulas fail, and explores how a calciotropic vitamin D form can influence those pathways. The study will test a non-invasive nanoparticle therapy that targets the vein walls to reduce neointimal hyperplasia and improve fistula patency in relevant preclinical settings. If successful, this approach could translate into a new treatment to extend the life of AV fistulas for patients on hemodialysis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience longer-lasting AV fistulas and fewer interventions to maintain dialysis access.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical data suggest that reducing specific gene expression can lessen vein narrowing in AV fistulas, supporting further development in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Pavaj Vascular Corporation
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Aaron — Pavaj Vascular Corporation
- Study coordinator: Miller, Aaron
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cardiovascular changes after AV fistula creation and how autophagy affects it
A VA-led project looks at how blood vessel remodeling after AV fistula surgery may be helped by understanding and targeting autophagy.
-
Molecular control of arterial-to-vein remodeling in fistula maturation
This study explores how vein cells change to help arteriovenous fistulas mature, with the aim of improving outcomes for people needing hemodialysis.
-
How the protein calprotectin affects healing of dialysis fistulas
Looking at whether a protein called calprotectin causes narrowing that keeps new dialysis fistulas from becoming usable for people with kidney failure.
-
Improving AV fistula longevity by guiding vein remodeling
A research project is exploring how to help veins adapt better when used for hemodialysis access so patients have fewer costly procedures.
-
Bioabsorbable wrap to improve AV fistula outcomes
A new bioabsorbable wrap is being studied to help AV fistula surgery heal better and stay open longer for people needing hemodialysis.
-
AI tool to screen AV fistula stenosis using stethoscope sounds in dialysis patients
A new AI tool uses sound recordings from a digital stethoscope to screen for narrowing in dialysis fistulas, helping clinicians catch problems earlier.
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.