New gene therapy to save limbs from severe blood flow issues
Official title: Novel Gene Therapy for Critical Limb Ischemia and Limb Salvage in Vascular Occlusive Disease
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-10843923 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new gene therapy to help people with critical limb ischemia, a serious condition that causes poor blood flow to the legs, by encouraging the growth of new blood vessels to improve healing and reduce pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | May 24, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $526,505 |
| NIH project number | 5R33HL156152-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10843923 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with critical limb ischemia who have not responded to conventional therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild peripheral arterial disease or those who are not experiencing severe symptoms of limb ischemia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel gene therapy aimed at treating critical limb ischemia (CLI), a severe condition characterized by poor blood flow to the legs, leading to pain, non-healing wounds, and potentially amputation. The approach involves using gene therapy to promote the growth of new blood vessels in affected limbs, thereby improving blood flow and healing. The study seeks to identify effective gene delivery methods and transgenes that can enhance the body's natural healing processes by attracting stem and progenitor cells to the ischemic tissue. This innovative therapy aims to provide a solution for patients who do not respond to standard treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the need for amputations in patients suffering from critical limb ischemia.
How similar studies have gone: While previous gene therapy approaches for CLI have faced challenges, this research aims to explore new methods and has the potential to build on past findings.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Velazquez, Omaida C — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Velazquez, Omaida C
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Ultrasound-activated implants to restore blood flow in severe leg ischemia
This project develops ultrasound-triggered implants that release blood-vessel–growing proteins to help people with critical limb ischemia regain circulation.
-
New gene therapy to improve blood flow and prevent limb amputation in patients with severe artery blockage
This study is testing a new gene therapy that aims to help people with critical limb ischemia by encouraging blood vessel growth in their legs, which could help heal wounds and reduce the need for amputations, especially for those who haven't had success with regular treatments.
-
Investigating the role of a specific microRNA in improving blood flow in diabetic patients with critical limb ischemia
This study is looking at how a tiny molecule called miR-130b can help improve blood flow in the legs of people with diabetes who have serious circulation problems, with the goal of finding new ways to prevent amputations and help patients feel better.
-
Investigating treatment outcomes for patients with critical limb ischemia and end-stage renal disease
This study is looking at the best treatment options for people with critical limb ischemia who also have severe kidney disease, to help doctors and patients make better choices about care and improve health outcomes.
-
Understanding how diabetes affects blood vessel fat metabolism to reduce surgical complications
This study is looking at how diabetes affects blood flow and can lead to serious problems like amputations, and it will test if a medication called Fenofibrate, which helps lower fat levels in the blood, can help reduce the risk of these complications for people with diabetes.
-
Exploring pain management and psychological factors in critical limb ischemia
This study is looking at how different ways to manage pain and mental health support can help people with critical limb ischemia (CLI) feel better and improve their quality of life.
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.