Targeting specific cells in osteoarthritis using nanoparticles
Official title: Exploring nano-bio interactions for cell-specific targeting of osteoarthritis
Funded at Tufts University Boston · NIH-11071174 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how tiny particles can be specially made to target the cells that cause osteoarthritis, with the goal of finding better treatments that go straight to the problem in your joints.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Tufts University Boston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $429,384 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR085398-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11071174 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with osteoarthritis who are seeking new treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with osteoarthritis who are not responsive to nanoparticle-based therapies or those with advanced joint degeneration may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how nanoparticles can be designed to specifically target cells involved in osteoarthritis (OA), a common chronic joint disease. The approach involves creating various nanoparticles with different sizes and chemical compositions to find the most effective ones for delivering treatments directly to the affected cells in the joint. By using a high-throughput screening method called JOINTseq, researchers aim to efficiently identify which nanoparticles work best for specific cell types in OA. This could lead to more effective therapies that address the complex nature of the disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to the development of targeted therapies that significantly improve treatment outcomes for patients with osteoarthritis.
How similar studies have gone: While nanoparticle delivery systems are being explored in various contexts, this specific approach to targeting cells in osteoarthritis is innovative and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Tufts University Boston
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zeng, Li — Tufts University Boston
- Study coordinator: Zeng, Li
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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.