Regenerating skin for treating severe burn wounds in children
Official title: In Situ Skin Regeneration through Induction of Skin Allograft Chimerism for Treatment of Severe Burn Wounds
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11052645 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help kids with severe burn wounds heal faster and better by using special skin grafts and a combination of two medicines that encourage skin to grow back naturally.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | March 8, 2024 |
| Project end | January 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $693,884 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR082388-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11052645 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are children under the age of 16 who have sustained severe burn injuries requiring skin grafts.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with minor burns or those who do not require skin grafts may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to heal severe burn wounds by using skin allografts that can regenerate skin tissue. The study aims to overcome the challenges of skin graft rejection and long healing times by employing a two-drug combination therapy that promotes skin regeneration. By utilizing stem cell mobilization, the researchers hope to achieve better healing outcomes, particularly for children who suffer from severe burns. The goal is to create a method that not only covers the wounds but also restores the skin's natural functions and appearance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve healing outcomes for children with severe burn injuries, reducing scarring and enhancing skin function.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using stem cell mobilization for skin regeneration is innovative, similar strategies in organ transplantation have shown promise, suggesting potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sun, Zhaoli — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Sun, Zhaoli
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.