Protein-polymer treatment for Sjögren's
Official title: Protein-polymer nanomedicine for Sjogren's Syndrome
Funded at University of Southern California · NIH-11251228 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This project creates tiny protein-polymer medicines intended to reduce eye and mouth dryness and inflammation for people with Sjögren's syndrome.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Southern California NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Los Angeles, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | March 1, 2017 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $594,073 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY026635-09 |
| Project ID | NIH-11251228 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with Sjögren's syndrome who have active lacrimal or salivary gland inflammation and bothersome dry eye or dry mouth despite standard topical care are the likely candidates for related future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients whose dryness is caused by non-autoimmune conditions, those without active gland inflammation, or patients with advanced complications like lymphoma may not benefit from this targeted approach.
What this research studies
Researchers are designing protein-polymer nanoparticles that can carry medicines both directly to tear and salivary glands and systemically through the body. They will test combined local (gland-directed) and systemic delivery in mouse models that mimic Sjögren's symptoms to see if this approach reduces gland inflammation and dry eye/mouth. The goal is to treat both the local gland problems and the wider immune-driven symptoms that some patients experience. If the platform works well in animals, it could be adapted for future human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could better relieve dry eye and dry mouth and reduce systemic inflammation with more targeted therapy and fewer broad immunosuppressive side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Some targeted delivery and biologic treatments have shown promise in autoimmune diseases, but combining gland-focused plus systemic delivery using protein-polymer nanoparticles is largely experimental.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hamm-Alvarez, Sarah F — University of Southern California
- Study coordinator: Hamm-Alvarez, Sarah F
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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.