Tissue Adhesive RNA Interference Nanoparticles to Block OA Progression
Official title: Tissue Adhesive RNA Interference Nanoparticles to Block Progression of Posttraumatic and Spontaneous Osteoarthritis.
Funded at Vanderbilt University · NIH-11392867 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment approach uses special RNA interference nanoparticles injected into joints to slow or stop osteoarthritis growth after injuries or aging, aiming to reduce pain and delay joint replacement for patients with PTOA/OA.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vanderbilt University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 22, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $513,430 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AR078666-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11392867 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals with post-traumatic osteoarthritis or age-related OA who have joint pain and are candidates for disease-modifying approaches.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with OA due to non-joint injuries not targeted by this mechanism or those unable to tolerate intra-articular injections may not benefit.
What this research studies
This grant supports development of a targeted intra-articular therapy that uses tissue adhesive RNA interference nanoparticles to block cartilage breakdown in osteoarthritis. By focusing on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), the approach seeks to slow disease progression and improve quality of life for people with PTOA or OA. The work will involve designing nanoparticles that stay in the joint longer and selectively inhibit damaging enzymes, with preclinical testing in relevant models. If successful, it could lead to a new, disease-modifying option rather than only providing temporary pain relief.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could experience slower disease progression, less pain, and a reduced likelihood of needing joint replacement.
How similar studies have gone: Prior MMP-targeting approaches faced delivery and specificity challenges, but this project emphasizes localized joint delivery which is a novel and promising direction.
Where this research is happening
-
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Duvall, Craig Lewis — Vanderbilt University
- Study coordinator: Duvall, Craig Lewis
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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.