Targeted delivery of engineered nanoparticles to the brain
Official title: Homogenized, engineered extracellular vesicles for intracranial targeting
Funded at University of California at Davis · NIH-11078353 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a new way to use tiny particles to deliver medicine directly to brain cells, which could help improve treatments for brain conditions and make them safer for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project start | April 4, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $559,790 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EB033389-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11078353 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with brain conditions that require targeted drug delivery, such as brain cancer or neurological disorders.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to the brain or those who do not require targeted drug therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a specialized platform of engineered nanoparticles, specifically extracellular vesicles, that can effectively deliver drugs and imaging agents directly to brain cells. By understanding how these vesicles cross the blood-brain barrier and target specific glial cells, the researchers aim to enhance the precision and effectiveness of treatments for brain conditions. The approach involves homogenizing these vesicles to ensure consistent size and content, which may improve their performance and reduce side effects. Patients may benefit from more effective therapies with fewer complications as a result of this innovative delivery system.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for brain diseases with reduced side effects.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using engineered extracellular vesicles for drug delivery, indicating potential success for this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California at Davis
Davis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Carney, Randy — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Carney, Randy
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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.