New therapy to reduce heart disease and diabetes risk using RNA technology
Official title: Long-Acting RNAi Therapy for Atherosclerosis and Insulin Resistance
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10863896 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to use RNA therapy to help people with heart disease and type 2 diabetes by targeting specific genes that contribute to harmful plaque buildup in arteries, aiming to make treatment more effective for better heart health and diabetes management.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2021 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $664,531 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL159012-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-10863896 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with atherosclerosis and insulin resistance, particularly those with type 2 diabetes.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have atherosclerosis or insulin resistance may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to deliver RNA interference (RNAi) therapy to treat atherosclerosis and insulin resistance. By targeting specific genes involved in the progression of dangerous arterial plaques, the therapy aims to improve heart health and manage diabetes. The researchers are developing a method to enhance the delivery and effectiveness of this therapy, focusing on macrophages in atherosclerotic lesions. Patients may benefit from a more effective treatment option that addresses both cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking therapy that significantly reduces the risk of heart disease and improves diabetes management.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promise in using RNAi therapy for genetic diseases, but this specific approach targeting atherosclerosis and diabetes is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shi, Jinjun — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Shi, Jinjun
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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.