New method for delivering heart therapies after a heart attack
Official title: Liposome-crosslinked hyaluronic acid hydrogels with localized protein delivery for myocardial infarction therapy
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10993893 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help heart attack patients by using special gels that can slowly release helpful proteins right where they’re needed in the heart, making treatments more effective and easier to manage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Fellowship grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $42,819 |
| NIH project number | 1F31HL175888-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993893 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered a myocardial infarction and are seeking innovative treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a myocardial infarction or those with other unrelated cardiac conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on improving the delivery of protein therapies for patients who have experienced a myocardial infarction (heart attack). It aims to develop injectable hydrogels made from hyaluronic acid and liposomes that can provide sustained and localized release of therapeutic proteins directly to the heart. By using these hydrogels, the goal is to enhance the effectiveness of treatments while minimizing the need for high doses and repeated injections. The research will be tested in a preclinical rat model to evaluate how well these hydrogels perform in delivering the protein therapy neuregulin-1β.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for heart attack patients, improving recovery and reducing long-term damage to the heart.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using hydrogels for localized drug delivery, suggesting that this approach could be effective for myocardial infarction therapies as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Baugh, Neil — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: Baugh, Neil
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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.