Sticky RNA nanoparticles to stop post-injury and age-related osteoarthritis
Tissue Adhesive RNA Interference Nanoparticles to Block Progression of Posttraumatic and Spontaneous Osteoarthritis.
['FUNDING_R01'] · VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY · NIH-11141697
This project is developing an injectable, joint-sticking nanoparticle that uses RNA to block enzymes that wear away cartilage in people with post-injury or age-related osteoarthritis.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11141697 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
From a patient's point of view, researchers are creating tiny particles you can inject into a joint that stick to the tissue and deliver RNA that turns off cartilage-damaging enzymes. The approach aims to keep the drug in the joint instead of spreading through the body, which could reduce side effects. Lab and animal work will test whether these particles prevent cartilage breakdown after injuries like ligament tears and in age-related osteoarthritis. If those results are good, the team may move toward clinical testing in people at risk for worsening joint damage.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with early-stage osteoarthritis or those who recently had a joint injury (for example, ligament damage) and are at risk of developing post-traumatic osteoarthritis.
Not a fit: People with very advanced, end-stage osteoarthritis or who already have joint replacements are unlikely to benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could slow or stop cartilage loss, relieve pain longer term, and reduce the need for joint replacement surgery.
How similar studies have performed: Past drugs that blocked the same enzymes failed because they were not specific and caused systemic side effects, so using adhesive RNA-delivery nanoparticles is a newer, largely preclinical approach with promising lab and animal results but limited human testing so far.
Where this research is happening
Nashville, UNITED STATES
- VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY — Nashville, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: DUVALL, CRAIG LEWIS — VANDERBILT UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: DUVALL, CRAIG LEWIS
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.