Targeted Nanoparticle Therapy for Erectile Dysfunction
Official title: Localized SDF-1 mRNA nanoparticle delivery for treating erectile dysfunction.
Funded at University of Maryland Baltimore · NIH-11083687 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores a new way to deliver a healing molecule using tiny particles to help men with erectile dysfunction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Maryland Baltimore NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2022 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $491,993 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK132425-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083687 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is ultimately intended for men who experience erectile dysfunction, especially those for whom current oral medications are ineffective or cause side effects.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without erectile dysfunction would not receive direct benefit from this specific treatment approach.
What this research studies
Erectile dysfunction (ED) affects millions of men, and current medications often fall short or cause unwanted side effects. This project is developing a new way to treat ED by delivering a special healing molecule, SDF-1, directly to the affected area using tiny nanoparticles. SDF-1 has shown in animal models that it can help regenerate blood vessels, nerves, and muscles in the penis, which are crucial for erectile function. By repairing these tissues and activating the body's natural healing pathways, this targeted therapy aims to restore natural erectile function more effectively. This could provide a much-needed alternative for those who don't respond to existing treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could offer a more effective and long-lasting treatment for erectile dysfunction by directly repairing damaged tissues, potentially improving quality of life for many men.
How similar studies have gone: While SDF-1 has shown promise in animal models for regenerating tissues related to erectile function, this specific nanoparticle delivery method is a novel approach currently being developed.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Maryland Baltimore
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Suk, Jung Soo — University of Maryland Baltimore
- Study coordinator: Suk, Jung Soo
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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.