Targeting immune cells in joint diseases with localized drug delivery
Official title: Intra-Articular Drug Delivery Modulating Immune Cells in Inflammatory Joint Disease
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11009588 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to deliver medicine directly into the joints to help people with arthritis by boosting the body's natural defenses to reduce inflammation, especially for those who haven't found relief with regular treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $436,969 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR081887-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11009588 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from autoimmune arthritis who have not achieved satisfactory results with existing treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-inflammatory joint conditions or those who do not have autoimmune arthritis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new method of delivering drugs directly into the joints to treat inflammatory joint diseases like arthritis. The approach focuses on enhancing the body's own immune regulatory cells to reduce inflammation without compromising the overall immune system. By using a localized delivery system, the researchers aim to improve treatment outcomes for patients who do not respond well to traditional therapies. The study will involve testing this method in animal models before considering human applications.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for arthritis that minimize the risk of infections and other side effects associated with current therapies.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using localized drug delivery systems for treating inflammatory conditions, suggesting that this approach could be effective.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Shah, Nisarg J. — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Shah, Nisarg J.
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.