Second-generation SCID pig models to advance safe, translational regenerative therapies
Official title: Developing second generation SCID pig models: filling the gaps to improve translation of therapeutics in regenerative medicine
Funded at Iowa State University · NIH-11382272 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A large NIH grant is funding the development of improved SCID pig models to better test stem cell and regenerative therapies before human use.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Iowa State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ames, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2020 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $755,883 |
| NIH project number | 5R24OD028748-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382272 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are patients with conditions where regenerative cell therapies are being explored and who might participate in future translational trials using human cell–based treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients outside the scope of stem cell or regenerative therapies or without planned participation in future translational studies may not directly benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses immune-deficient pigs to create more human-like preclinical models for regenerative medicine. Researchers have already built SCID pig lines and shown they can accept human cells, with the goal of standardizing models to measure safety and potential efficacy of therapeutic cells. The work includes developing facilities and protocols to rear these pigs and to study how implanted human cells behave in a setting closer to humans than traditional animal models. The effort aims to accelerate translation from lab findings to safe, effective treatments for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could improve the predictability of preclinical testing, potentially speeding and de-risking the path to human therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous SCID pig work has shown human cell engraftment, suggesting this approach can improve preclinical translation, though it remains an advanced and evolving area.
Where this research is happening
-
Iowa State University
Ames, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tuggle, Christopher — Iowa State University
- Study coordinator: Tuggle, Christopher
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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.