Targeted Nanoparticle Delivery for Venous Malformations
Developing Nanoparticle Drug Delivery Systems for Venous Malformations
This research aims to create tiny drug carriers, called nanoparticles, to deliver medicine directly to venous malformations in children, hoping to reduce side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Boston Children's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11131115 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Venous malformations (VMs) are birth defects that can cause pain and disfigurement, especially in children. While a medicine called sirolimus helps treat complex VMs, it can cause unwanted side effects throughout the body. Our goal is to develop a safer way to treat VMs by using nanoparticles that can carry the medicine directly to the affected area. These nanoparticles are designed to naturally accumulate in VMs and can be further guided by light to ensure the medicine goes exactly where it's needed, minimizing exposure to healthy tissues.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This research is focused on developing treatments for children who have venous malformations.
Not a fit: Patients without venous malformations or those who do not tolerate nanoparticle-based therapies may not receive direct benefit from this specific research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to more effective treatments for venous malformations with fewer side effects for patients, particularly children.
How similar studies have performed: While systemic sirolimus has shown efficacy, this project explores a novel, targeted nanoparticle delivery method to improve upon existing treatments.
Where this research is happening
Boston, United States
- Boston Children's Hospital — Boston, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cullion, Kathleen — Boston Children's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Cullion, Kathleen
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.