New method for delivering heart therapies after a heart attack

Liposome-crosslinked hyaluronic acid hydrogels with localized protein delivery for myocardial infarction therapy

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10993893

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 typeFellowship grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10993893 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have suffered a myocardial infarction and are seeking innovative treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced a myocardial infarction or those with other unrelated cardiac conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.