New treatment for tendon deterioration using exosomes

Exosome drug for tendinopathy

NIH-funded research New York/r&d/ctr/translational Med/ther · NIH-10921023

This study is testing a new treatment called Altenex, which uses tiny particles from human stem cells to help heal painful tendon injuries and improve how they work, giving hope to people with tendinopathy.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionNew York/r&d/ctr/translational Med/ther NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (New Rochelle, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10921023 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel biologic drug called Altenex, which utilizes exosomes derived from human bone marrow stem cells to treat tendinopathy, a painful condition affecting tendons. The approach involves culturing these stem cells on specialized 3D scaffolds that mimic the natural environment of tendons, promoting the production of therapeutic exosomes. By injecting these exosomes directly into affected tendons, the goal is to reduce pain and improve tendon healing and function. This innovative method aims to provide a disease-modifying treatment where none currently exists.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals experiencing chronic tendinopathy, particularly those with pain and functional impairment in their tendons.

Not a fit: Patients with acute tendon injuries or those who do not have a diagnosis of tendinopathy may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could offer a safe and effective treatment option for patients suffering from tendinopathy, potentially improving their quality of life and physical performance.

How similar studies have performed: Other research has shown promise in using stem cell-derived exosomes for tissue repair, indicating that this approach may be effective for treating tendinopathy as well.

Where this research is happening

New Rochelle, 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 2026-06-09 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.