Slow-release mineral microparticles that deliver anti-inflammatory proteins to help spinal cord injury recovery
Treating Spinal Cord Injury with Mineral Coated Microparticles Releasing Anti-Inflammatory Cytokines
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON · NIH-11251794
This project uses an injectable mineral-coated microparticle to slowly release anti-inflammatory proteins aimed at reducing harmful inflammation after a spinal cord injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (MADISON, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11251794 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From my perspective as someone with a spinal cord injury, the team is developing tiny mineral-coated particles that can be injected near the injury and steadily release anti-inflammatory proteins when the body needs them. The goal is to time the release to match critical stages of the immune response so inflammation does less damage to nerves. The approach is meant to overcome problems with current protein treatments like short lifespan, rapid washout, and difficulty getting drugs to the spinal cord. The work is being done at the University of Wisconsin–Madison and focuses on designing and testing these particles so they remain active and safe in the injury area.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who have recently experienced a traumatic spinal cord injury and are within the treatment window when a local injection could be given.
Not a fit: People with long-standing (chronic) spinal cord injuries far past the acute inflammatory phase, or those who cannot receive local injections or have active infections, are less likely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could limit inflammation-driven nerve damage after spinal cord injury and improve chances of functional recovery.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies using anti-inflammatory cytokines have shown promise, but delivering them locally and over time with mineral-coated microparticles is a newer approach with limited prior clinical testing.
Where this research is happening
MADISON, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON — MADISON, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: HANNA, AMGAD S — UNIVERSITY OF WISCONSIN-MADISON
- Study coordinator: HANNA, AMGAD S
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 below.