Nitric-oxide releasing hyaluronic acid therapy for gum disease
Official title: Nitric oxide-releasing hyaluronic acid therapeutics for treating periodontal disease
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11310781 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research tests a nitric-oxide releasing hyaluronic acid gel to kill harmful mouth bacteria, calm inflammation, and help people with periodontitis (advanced gum disease) heal their gums.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $510,874 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032060-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11310781 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults with moderate to severe periodontitis, particularly those whose gum disease remains active despite standard cleaning and care.
✕Less likely to help
People with healthy gums, only mild gingivitis, or known allergies to hyaluronic acid or nitric-oxide donors are unlikely to benefit from this therapy.
What this research studies
Researchers are developing a hyaluronic acid gel that slowly releases nitric oxide, a molecule with antibacterial and anti-inflammatory actions. They will test the gel against dental plaque biofilms in laboratory models and in models that mimic human gum disease, and measure effects on inflammation and tissue healing. The team will also check that the gel is safe for mouth tissues and works as an add-on to routine dental cleaning. If human testing is included, volunteers may receive the gel locally at UNC or partner dental clinics and return for follow-up visits to monitor healing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could reduce harmful oral biofilms, lower chronic gum inflammation, and promote tissue healing, potentially preserving teeth and reducing the need for repeated invasive treatments.
How similar studies have gone: Laboratory and animal studies of nitric-oxide releasing materials have shown promising antibiofilm and anti-inflammatory effects, but clinical data in people with periodontitis are still limited.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schoenfisch, Mark H — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Schoenfisch, Mark H
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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.