Targeting hyaluronic acid to treat enlarged prostate and prostate scarring
Glycosaminoglycan Targeting Treatment for Prostatic Hyperplasia and Fibrosis
This project tests an oral medicine that lowers hyaluronic acid to help men with enlarged prostate and bothersome urinary symptoms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Augusta University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Augusta, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11174593 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This work looks at prostate tissue from men with bothersome urinary symptoms to measure hyaluronic acid and link it to scarring and inflammation. Researchers will test an oral drug that blocks hyaluronic acid production in laboratory studies and in mouse models that mimic prostate enlargement and fibrosis. They will compare tissue changes and clinical symptom scores (IPSS) to see whether reducing hyaluronic acid lessens inflammation, fibrosis, and the signals that drive prostate growth. Promising findings could pave the way for future clinical testing of the drug in men with BPH.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are men with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) who have bothersome lower urinary tract symptoms (high IPSS), particularly those with signs of prostate inflammation or fibrosis.
Not a fit: Men whose urinary symptoms are not driven by hyaluronic-acid–related inflammation or fibrosis, or who cannot take the study drug, may not experience benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could reduce urinary symptoms and prostate scarring, potentially lowering the need for surgery and treatments with more side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies of hyaluronic acid inhibitors (including 4‑methylumbelliferone) have shown promise in reducing fibrosis and inflammation, but human clinical data are limited.
Where this research is happening
Augusta, United States
- Augusta University — Augusta, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lokeshwar, Vinata B — Augusta University
- Study coordinator: Lokeshwar, Vinata B
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.