New treatment for tendon disorders using microRNA
Official title: miRNA drug for tendinopathy
Funded at New York/r&d/ctr/translational Med/ther · NIH-10884445 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment using a special molecule to help heal painful tendon issues, especially for older adults, and if it works well in animals, it could eventually be available for people like you who are dealing with tendinopathy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | New York/r&d/ctr/translational Med/ther NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Rochelle, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 30, 2022 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $560,060 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AG081162-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10884445 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults suffering from tendinopathy or chronic tendon pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with acute tendon injuries or those not experiencing symptoms of tendinopathy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for tendinopathy, a common tendon disorder that causes pain and impaired function, especially in older adults. The approach involves using a specific microRNA, miR-221-5p, which has shown promise in preliminary studies for reducing inflammation and promoting healing in tendon tissues. The research will test this microRNA in animal models to determine its effectiveness and safety, with the goal of eventually obtaining FDA approval for its use in humans. If successful, this treatment could provide a much-needed solution for those suffering from tendinopathy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new, effective treatment for tendinopathy, improving quality of life for patients with this condition.
How similar studies have gone: Other studies have shown promise in using microRNA therapies for various conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in treating tendinopathy.
Where this research is happening
-
New York/r&d/ctr/translational Med/ther
New Rochelle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fung, David T — New York/r&d/ctr/translational Med/ther
- Study coordinator: Fung, David T
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Personalized Achilles tendon rehab: how loading in daily life affects healing
A person with mid-substance Achilles tendinopathy could benefit from a personalized rehab plan based on how their daily activities load the tendon.
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Achilles Tendinopathy Center of Translation
A center-led program aims to uncover basic science and translational tools to improve care for people with Achilles tendinopathy.
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Understanding the muscle-subtendon units in Achilles tendinopathy
This project explores why Achilles tendinopathy affects people differently by looking closely at the ankle’s tendon structure and how it responds to treatments.
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Exosome-based biologic treatment for tendinopathy
A new exosome-based therapy called Altenex aims to treat tendinopathy safely and effectively in adults.
-
Quantifying Achilles Tendon Stress in Dancers to Prevent Tendinopathy
Aimed at female ballet dancers, this project will measure Achilles tendon stress during dance and develop better tools to monitor pain and guide injury prevention and recovery.
-
Role of CaV1.2 calcium channels in Achilles tendinopathy
This grant explores how a calcium channel called CaV1.2 may drive tendinopathy in the Achilles tendon and what this could mean for new treatments.
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.