Understanding and reversing blood vessel problems in peri-implant inflammation
Official title: Mapping and Modulating Endothelial Dysfunction in Peri-implantitis
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11351730 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study will explore why blood vessels in mouth implants get inflamed and test a drug approach to reverse this process to protect implants.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | July 7, 2026 |
| Project end | July 6, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $446,611 |
| NIH project number | 1R21DE035939-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11351730 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with dental implants who develop or are at risk for peri-implantitis.
✕Less likely to help
People without implants or without peri-implantitis are unlikely to benefit from this specific study.
What this research studies
This project investigates peri-implantitis, a condition where inflammation around dental implants leads to tissue and bone loss. Using advanced spatial and AI methods, researchers will map vascular changes and immune signals in affected tissue. The team will test potential drug strategies aiming to restore normal blood vessel function and reduce inflammation around implants. If successful, this could point to targeted treatments to preserve implants and oral health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with dental implants may have better protection against peri-implantitis and longer-lasting implants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies using spatial analysis and AI have identified disease-specific vascular changes in related oral diseases, providing a promising foundation for this work.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Byrd, Kevin Matthew — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Byrd, Kevin Matthew
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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.