Tiny cerium-oxide particles to make CT scans clearer and reduce IBD inflammation
Cerium oxide nanoparticles for CT imaging and catalytic therapeutic intervention in inflammatory bowel disease
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11251732
Researchers are developing sugar-coated cerium-oxide nanoparticles to help CT scans pinpoint inflamed bowel tissue and to lower inflammation in people with inflammatory bowel disease.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11251732 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
If you have IBD, this work aims to create tiny cerium-oxide particles coated with dextran that preferentially collect in inflamed areas of the gut so they show up strongly on CT scans. The team is testing whether these particles both improve imaging of active inflammation and act as catalytic antioxidants to reduce inflammation. In early lab and animal work the particles produced strong CT contrast, accumulated in inflamed large intestines, cleared rapidly from the body, and showed no major safety signals on blood tests and tissue checks. The project is advancing those findings toward approaches that could be studied in people.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Adults with inflammatory bowel disease (Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis) who have active intestinal inflammation and are seeking clearer imaging or new treatment options would be the best match.
Not a fit: People without IBD, those whose gut symptoms come from non-inflammatory causes, or patients with contraindications to nanoparticle agents (for example specific component allergies) may not benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could allow doctors to find inflamed bowel segments more accurately and deliver a targeted anti-inflammatory effect with potentially fewer systemic side effects.
How similar studies have performed: Early preclinical studies show promising imaging contrast and anti-inflammatory effects, but use of cerium-oxide nanoparticles for human IBD imaging and therapy remains novel.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: CORMODE, DAVID PETER — UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
- Study coordinator: CORMODE, DAVID PETER
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.