New treatments for healing diabetic foot ulcers
Official title: COATs: Collagen-mimetic peptide and therapeutic gene-modified collagens for cell-mediated healing of diabetic foot ulcers
Funded at University of Delaware · NIH-11097243 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new treatments for diabetic foot ulcers to help them heal better and faster, using special materials that encourage your body to produce the healing factors it needs, so you can recover more effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Delaware NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | July 30, 2021 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $563,758 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK130662-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11097243 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from diabetic foot ulcers who have not responded well to standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with foot ulcers caused by non-diabetic conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative therapies for diabetic foot ulcers, which are a significant health issue leading to many amputations. The approach involves using collagen-mimetic peptides and gene-modified collagens to enhance the healing process by stimulating the body's own cells to produce necessary growth factors. By creating a supportive environment for healing, the research aims to improve the effectiveness of wound dressings and promote faster recovery. Patients may benefit from a new treatment that addresses the underlying issues preventing proper healing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for diabetic foot ulcers, reducing the need for amputations and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using gene therapy and biomaterials for wound healing, indicating that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Delaware
Newark, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sullivan, Millicent O — University of Delaware
- Study coordinator: Sullivan, Millicent O
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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-
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This project looks at how new Medicaid coverage in California affects foot care, ED visits, and outcomes for adults with diabetes in safety-net populations.
-
Multi-targeted approach to help heal diabetic foot ulcers using electric fields and nitric oxide
A study to test a combo treatment using electric field stimulation and nitric oxide to boost healing in diabetic foot ulcers.
-
Wound fluid test to predict healing in diabetic foot ulcers
This project looks for chemical signals in the fluid from diabetic foot ulcers that could tell adults with diabetes whether a wound will heal with standard care or need a different treatment.
-
MTX-001 for healing diabetic foot ulcers in people with diabetes
A first–in–class biologic therapy called MTX-001 is being tested to help heal diabetic foot ulcers and reduce infection risk in adults with diabetes.
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.