Targeted nanotherapy to calm inflammation, grow new blood vessels, and prevent scarring after a heart attack
Official title: Targeted Nanotherapy for Inflammation Resolution, Angiogenesis, and Anti-Fibrosis in Acute Myocardial Infarction
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11432693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment approach uses engineered secretions from immune cells delivered early after a heart attack to reduce inflammation, promote blood vessel growth, and limit scarring to protect heart function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $550,896 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL187855-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11432693 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal participants would be adults who have recently experienced a myocardial infarction and meet the trial's specific eligibility criteria.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have contraindications to the therapy or whose condition does not respond to anti-inflammatory or pro-angiogenic strategies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to deliver an engineered mix from macrophages to the damaged heart quickly after a heart attack. The therapy is designed to reduce harmful inflammation, help new blood vessels form in the injured area, and prevent excessive scar tissue. By combining these three goals in one treatment, researchers hope to support faster and better healing of the heart muscle. The work will be conducted at Washington University in Saint Louis under a physician-scientist-led team.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve heart function and outcomes after a heart attack by speeding healing and reducing damage.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work in related anti-inflammatory and pro-angiogenic approaches shows promise, but this combined strategy is a novel direction.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guan, Jianjun — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Guan, Jianjun
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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.