Treatment to keep dialysis fistulas open

Development of a Treatment to Improve Arteriovenous Fistula Function

['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] · PAVAJ VASCULAR CORPORATION · NIH-11194473

A local nanoparticle therapy delivering active vitamin D aims to stop vein narrowing in people who use arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_SBIR_2']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorPAVAJ VASCULAR CORPORATION (nih funded)
Locations1 site (ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11194473 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project is developing a way to deliver the active form of vitamin D directly around the dialysis fistula using biodegradable nanoparticles to block genes that drive vein thickening. Researchers have studied human fistula tissue and tested the approach in animal models that show reduced venous stenosis. The current work focuses on optimizing the nanoparticle delivery and safety so the therapy could move toward use in people. If safe and effective, the therapy would be tested at clinical sites for people receiving hemodialysis via an AV fistula.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: People with end-stage kidney disease who use an arteriovenous fistula for hemodialysis—especially those with new or failing fistulas—would be the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who do not use an AV fistula for dialysis (for example those using catheters or grafts) or whose problems are unrelated to venous neointimal hyperplasia may not benefit.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could reduce vein narrowing and lower the need for repeated procedures to keep dialysis fistulas working.

How similar studies have performed: Laboratory and animal studies support the biological target, but delivering active vitamin D locally via nanoparticles is a novel approach that has not yet been proven in people.

Where this research is happening

ROCHESTER, UNITED STATES

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.