NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Miami School of Medicine
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Coral Gables, United States)
Project startMay 24, 2022
Project endMay 31, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$526,505
NIH project number5R33HL156152-03
Project IDNIH-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.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.