Targeted drug delivery to brain lesions using ultrasound
Official title: MR Image-Guided Drug Delivery to Cerebral Cavernous Malformations with Focused Ultrasound
Funded at University of Virginia · NIH-10999464 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help people with cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs) by using special sound waves and tiny bubbles to deliver medicine directly to the problem areas in the brain, making treatments more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project start | December 15, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $553,529 |
| NIH project number | 5R01CA279134-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999464 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with symptomatic cerebral cavernous malformations who may benefit from targeted drug therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cerebral cavernous malformations or those whose lesions are asymptomatic may not receive any benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a method to deliver drugs directly to cerebral cavernous malformations (CCMs), which are abnormal blood vessel formations in the brain that can cause serious neurological issues. The approach involves using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to guide the delivery of drugs through a technique called focused ultrasound, which temporarily opens the blood-brain barrier around the lesions. By using microbubbles in conjunction with ultrasound, the researchers aim to enhance the effectiveness of drug treatments for patients suffering from CCMs. This innovative strategy seeks to overcome the challenges of delivering medications that are typically too large to penetrate the brain's protective barriers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve treatment options for patients with cerebral cavernous malformations, potentially reducing their neurological symptoms and improving their quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using focused ultrasound for drug delivery in CCMs is novel, similar techniques have shown promise in other areas of targeted drug delivery in the brain.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Virginia
Charlottesville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Price, Richard J. — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Price, Richard J.
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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.