Treatment to keep dialysis fistulas open
Official title: Development of a Treatment to Improve Arteriovenous Fistula Function
Funded at Pavaj Vascular Corporation · NIH-11194473 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A local nanoparticle therapy delivering active vitamin D aims to stop vein narrowing in people who use arteriovenous fistulas for hemodialysis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Pavaj Vascular Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rochester, United States) |
| Project start | September 18, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $497,143 |
| NIH project number | 5R44DK139817-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11194473 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
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.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Pavaj Vascular Corporation
Rochester, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Aaron — Pavaj Vascular Corporation
- Study coordinator: Miller, Aaron
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Cardiovascular changes after AV fistula creation and how autophagy affects it
A VA-led project looks at how blood vessel remodeling after AV fistula surgery may be helped by understanding and targeting autophagy.
-
Nanoparticle delivery to prevent AV fistula narrowing
A new nanoparticle-based approach aims to prevent AV fistula narrowing in people with kidney failure who rely on dialysis.
-
Molecular control of arterial-to-vein remodeling in fistula maturation
This study explores how vein cells change to help arteriovenous fistulas mature, with the aim of improving outcomes for people needing hemodialysis.
-
How the protein calprotectin affects healing of dialysis fistulas
Looking at whether a protein called calprotectin causes narrowing that keeps new dialysis fistulas from becoming usable for people with kidney failure.
-
Improving AV fistula longevity by guiding vein remodeling
A research project is exploring how to help veins adapt better when used for hemodialysis access so patients have fewer costly procedures.
-
Bioabsorbable wrap to improve AV fistula outcomes
A new bioabsorbable wrap is being studied to help AV fistula surgery heal better and stay open longer for people needing hemodialysis.
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.