Novel therapeutic peptides for heart failure that dissolve in water
Official title: Novel Therapeutics for Heart Failure: Modified, Water-Soluble Caveolin-1 Scaffolding Domain Peptides with Improved Characteristics for Drug Development: Phase II
Funded at Fibrotherapeutics, INC. · NIH-11312079 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-friendly description of a promising heart failure therapy using a water-friendly peptide that can be taken by mouth or injected, built on previous work to reverse heart damage in animal models.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fibrotherapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | August 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,917,034 |
| NIH project number | 2R42HL167327-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11312079 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with heart failure, particularly those with fibrosis-related cardiac dysfunction, who may be candidates for future trials.
✕Less likely to help
People without heart failure or those with conditions not related to cardiac fibrosis may not benefit from this therapy.
What this research studies
This project develops a peptide-based drug derived from caveolin-1 to treat heart failure, focusing on improving its water solubility and drug-like properties. It has shown in mice that the lead peptide can reverse heart dysfunction and reduce fibrosis, leakage, and inflammation. The team has progressed from initial testing to a lead compound (W94-101) that works when given by injection or orally in different heart failure models, including aging hearts. The next steps aim to advance the compound toward clinical testing in people with heart failure, building on prior success to improve stability and delivery. If successful, this work could offer a new option to help the heart function better and slow disease progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with heart failure could have a new, orally deliverable treatment that helps reverse organ damage and improve heart function.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work in cells and mouse models showed reversal of heart dysfunction and reduced fibrosis with the lead compound, supporting further development.
Where this research is happening
-
Fibrotherapeutics, INC.
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hoffman, Stanley R — Fibrotherapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Hoffman, Stanley R
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
AI-supported heart failure diagnosis and management in Rwanda
Aiming to help people with suspected heart failure in Rwanda get faster, more accurate diagnoses and better care using AI-guided ultrasound and care protocols.
-
AI-assisted heart failure diagnosis in Rwanda using focused ultrasound
An NIH-funded project will test whether AI-enhanced, easy-to-use heart ultrasound can help non-experts diagnose and manage heart failure in Rwanda.
-
HF endotypes in heart failure using ethical multi-modal AI and molecular data
A patient-friendly project that uses advanced AI and multiple kinds of health data to identify distinct heart failure subtypes that could guide personalized care.
-
Triple gene therapy approach to heal the heart after a heart attack
A new therapy combines three genetic approaches delivered by a virus to help the heart heal after a heart attack.
-
Digital-first heart failure care delivery in Uganda
A targeted program in Uganda tests a digital care plan to help people with heart failure manage their symptoms at home.
-
Digital-first heart failure care delivery in Uganda
A study to test digital self-care tools to help people with heart failure in Uganda manage symptoms and stay healthier.
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.