Targeted ultrasound delivery of anti-inflammatory nitro-fatty acids to heal the heart after a heart attack
Official title: Focal Myocardial Delivery of Small Molecule Nitroalkenes using Ultrasound Targeted Microbubble Cavitation to Improve Ventricular Recovery Following Myocardial Infarction
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11295400 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Using ultrasound-triggered microbubbles to deliver anti-inflammatory nitro-fatty acids directly to the heart for people recovering from a heart attack.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 4, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $695,478 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL173319-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11295400 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People who recently had an acute myocardial infarction (heart attack), particularly those treated with percutaneous coronary intervention and at risk for microvascular obstruction, would be the intended candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People without a recent heart attack, those with known allergy or contraindication to ultrasound contrast agents or the study drug, or those with unstable medical conditions likely would not benefit or be eligible.
What this research studies
You would receive an IV injection of tiny lipid microbubbles that carry a small anti-inflammatory molecule (a nitro-fatty acid), and focused ultrasound over the heart would make the bubbles release their drug where it is needed. The approach aims to open blocked tiny vessels caused by the heart attack and deliver medicine right into the injured heart muscle to reduce inflammation and scarring. Doctors would monitor blood flow, heart imaging, and heart function over time to see if the targeted delivery improves recovery. Visits would take place at the treating center for the procedure and follow-up imaging and check-ups.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: May lower microvascular blockage and reduce scarring after a heart attack, improving heart pumping and reducing heart failure risk.
How similar studies have gone: Ultrasound-directed microbubble methods have reopened blocked microvessels in prior work and nitro-fatty acids have been given safely systemically, but combining targeted microbubble delivery to limit post-heart-attack scarring is relatively new.
Where this research is happening
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University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pacella, John J — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Pacella, John 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.