New treatments for atrial fibrillation using engineered proteins
Official title: Peptibodies As Novel Therapies in Atrial Fibrillation
Funded at University of South Florida · NIH-11003662 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new treatments for atrial fibrillation (AF) by using special proteins called peptibodies that could help restore a normal heart rhythm more effectively than current options, and it’s designed for people who are looking for better ways to manage their AF.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of South Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tampa, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $548,335 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL163943-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11003662 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with persistent atrial fibrillation who have not responded well to existing antiarrhythmic medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with atrial fibrillation that is not persistent or those who have contraindications to new therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative therapies for atrial fibrillation (AF), a common heart rhythm disorder that is difficult to treat. The approach involves creating peptibodies, which are engineered proteins that combine the therapeutic effects of specific peptides with the stability of antibodies. By blocking a specific ion channel that contributes to AF, these peptibodies aim to restore normal heart rhythm more effectively than current treatments. The research will involve testing these new therapies in preclinical models to assess their safety and efficacy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients suffering from persistent atrial fibrillation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using similar engineered proteins for other therapeutic applications, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of South Florida
Tampa, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Noujaim, Sami Fouad — University of South Florida
- Study coordinator: Noujaim, Sami Fouad
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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.