Nanoparticle therapy to target endometriosis in women
Official title: Development of a nanoparticle-mediated chemodynamic therapy for endometriosis.
Funded at Oregon State University · NIH-11344411 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new nanoparticle-based treatment aims to melt endometriosis lesions using a special chemistry approach to kill cells causing pain, with the goal of reducing surgery and preserving fertility.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Corvallis, United States) |
| Project start | August 18, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $694,498 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD121601-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11344411 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are women with endometriosis seeking non-surgical options to manage pain and preserve fertility.
✕Less likely to help
People without endometriosis or those with conditions that contraindicate nanoparticle therapy may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project explores a non-surgical option for endometriosis by using iron-containing nanoparticles that create toxic molecules in endometriosis tissues, potentially shrinking lesions and easing pain. The study builds on chemodynamic therapy concepts originally developed for cancer and applies them to endometriosis lesions that produce high levels of reactive oxygen species. Researchers will test the nanoparticles’ behavior in lab models and then in models that mimic human disease to evaluate safety and lesion control. If successful, this approach could offer an additional option for people who want to avoid or delay surgery and preserve fertility.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the therapy works, patients could experience less pain and fewer surgeries, with better preservation of fertility.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies in cancer settings show that similar nanoparticle strategies can target diseased tissues; this work adapts that approach to endometriosis, which is a novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon State University
Corvallis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taratula, Oleh — Oregon State University
- Study coordinator: Taratula, Oleh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Molecular clues to endometriosis-related infertility
This grant explores how molecular changes in endometriosis contribute to infertility, with the aim of finding better ways to diagnose and treat the condition.
-
Hormonal Influences on Inflammation in Endometriosis
A study in adult women with endometriosis looks at how hormones and immune pathways interact to influence inflammation and symptoms.
-
How genes influence endometriosis in women of different racial and ethnic backgrounds
The team will compare genetic changes in tissue from women of various races who have endometriosis to find molecular targets for better treatments.
-
Quantum diamond sensor endoscopy to map iron in endometriosis
A tiny quantum sensor built into an endoscope will map iron in endometriosis lesions to help diagnose the disease noninvasively.
-
Understanding how RPLP1 affects endometriosis and adenomyosis
A patient-focused look at how a ribosomal protein called RPLP1 may drive tissue changes in endometriosis and adenomyosis and what this could mean for future therapies.
-
CXCR4 methylation in endometriosis and its role as an early biomarker and non-hormonal therapy target
This project explores how changes in CXCR4 gene regulation may help diagnose endometriosis earlier and point toward non-hormonal treatments for the condition.
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.