Understanding blood clots and testing new treatments using advanced 3D models
Official title: High-throughput Imaging-integrated Vascular Model for Understanding Thromboembolism and Therapeutics Screening
Funded at Brigham and Women's Hospital · NIH-10984461 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how blood clots form and how we can treat them better, especially for people dealing with conditions like deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism, using special 3D models that act like human cells to test new medications and see how they respond to infections.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Brigham and Women's Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | January 1, 2023 |
| Project end | November 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $556,579 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166522-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10984461 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals at risk for venous thromboembolism, such as those with a history of deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have any history of blood clotting disorders or related conditions may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how blood clots form and how they can be treated, focusing on a condition known as venous thromboembolism (VTE). By using advanced three-dimensional (3D) human cell models, the research aims to better mimic human physiology and improve the testing of new drugs. Patients may benefit from the development of more effective treatments for conditions related to blood clots, such as deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism. The study will also monitor how these models respond to viral infections and drug treatments in real-time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for blood clot-related conditions, potentially reducing mortality and improving patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using 3D models for drug testing, indicating that this approach could lead to significant advancements in treatment efficacy.
Where this research is happening
-
Brigham and Women's Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Zhang, Y. Shrike — Brigham and Women's Hospital
- Study coordinator: Zhang, Y. Shrike
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Pulmonary embolism prognosis using CT image analytics
A CT-based approach uses imaging data to predict who with an acute pulmonary embolism may develop chronic problems, helping guide care.
-
Statins to Prevent Cancer-Associated Blood Clots in Cancer Patients
A large study will test whether taking rosuvastatin every day for a year can lower the chance of dangerous blood clots in people with cancer, without raising the risk of bleeding.
-
3D human blood-vessel model to understand blood clots and test treatments
Researchers are building a 3D human blood-vessel model with live imaging to speed testing of clot-preventing and clot-breaking treatments for people at risk of deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism.
-
A risk score to spot high-risk heart failure patients without atrial fibrillation who may need anticoagulation
A new tool uses patient data and heart MRI markers to identify heart failure patients without atrial fibrillation who might benefit from anticoagulation while minimizing bleeding risk.
-
Optimal use of blood thinners for venous clots in people with cirrhosis
This grant hopes to figure out the safest and most effective way to use oral anticoagulants for adults with cirrhosis who develop venous clots.
-
PET/CT imaging to detect chemotherapy-related vascular harm in young cancer patients
A non-invasive PET/CT scan method using standard care imaging is being tested to identify which pediatric and young adult cancer patients are at higher risk of blood clots from chemotherapy.
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.