Reducing immune-driven damage in dialysis access veins

Monocyte chemoattractant Proteins and Vascular Injury

NIH-funded research Mayo Clinic Rochester · NIH-11378337

This project tests a local nanoparticle-delivered drug to reduce inflammation and scarring in veins used for hemodialysis patients with failing arteriovenous fistulas.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionMayo Clinic Rochester NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rochester, United States)
Project IDNIH-11378337 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Many people on hemodialysis rely on an arteriovenous fistula (AVF) that can narrow and fail from inflammation and scarring after balloon angioplasty. Researchers are packaging a drug called bindarit into tiny biodegradable nanoparticles inside a gel that can be applied around the outflow vein after angioplasty to block immune signals (MCP-1) that attract inflammatory cells. They are testing the approach in a mouse model by measuring drug release, following blood flow with ultrasound, and examining vein tissue for scarring and inflammatory markers at set time points. The goal is to see whether local delivery can keep the fistula open longer and reduce the need for repeat procedures.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with end-stage kidney disease who use an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis and who have a narrowing treated with balloon angioplasty are the most relevant candidates.

Not a fit: People who do not use an AV fistula for dialysis (for example those on peritoneal dialysis or with tunneled catheters), or whose access problems are due to infection or other non-inflammatory causes, may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could keep dialysis fistulas open longer, reduce repeat angioplasties, and improve dialysis access for people with end-stage kidney disease.

How similar studies have performed: Previous animal studies blocking MCP-1 have reduced vascular scarring, but using bindarit-loaded nanoparticles in a periadventitial gel for AVF restenosis is a new, preclinical approach.

Where this research is happening

Rochester, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.