Safer blood thinner that targets factor XIIIa
Official title: Inhibitors of Human Factor XIIIa as New Anticoagulants
Funded at Xavier University of Louisiana · NIH-11322563 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new type of blood thinner for people at risk of dangerous blood clots (venous thromboembolism) that aims to lower the chance of bleeding by blocking a clot-stabilizing protein called factor XIIIa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Xavier University of Louisiana NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Orleans, United States) |
| Project start | April 17, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $150,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R16GM149412-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11322563 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults who are at risk for venous thromboembolism (history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism, or other high-risk conditions) and who might need safer anticoagulation are the most likely candidates for future trials.
✕Less likely to help
People with active major bleeding, known severe FXIII deficiency, or conditions where clotting is driven by other mechanisms may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This research is developing drugs that block a clot-stabilizing enzyme called factor XIIIa to prevent harmful clots while trying to avoid extra bleeding. The team is testing experimental inhibitors in lab studies using human blood and will use animal models and genetic data to see how blocking FXIIIa changes clot size and stability. Early lab work showed treated blood made smaller clots and released more red blood cells from contracting clots, and genetic findings suggest certain FXIII variants protect against clots. If lab and animal results remain promising, this approach could move toward human safety and effectiveness testing.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could provide an effective way to prevent venous blood clots with a lower risk of serious bleeding than current anticoagulants.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical lab experiments and genetic studies give encouraging support for targeting FXIIIa, but clinical testing in people has not yet been established.
Where this research is happening
-
Xavier University of Louisiana
New Orleans, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Al-Horani, Rami a — Xavier University of Louisiana
- Study coordinator: Al-Horani, Rami a
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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.