Using a new ultrasound device to help deliver drugs to the brain
Official title: Novel Piezoelectric Amino-acid Ultrasound Transducer to Deliver Drugs Through the Blood Brain Barrier
Funded at University of Connecticut Storrs · NIH-11019853 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new, safe device that uses sound waves to help deliver medicine directly to the brain, which could make treatments for brain diseases like Alzheimer's and cancer more effective.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Connecticut Storrs NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Storrs-Mansfield, United States) |
| Project start | February 15, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $482,816 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS131310-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11019853 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be patients suffering from neurodegenerative diseases or brain cancers who require improved drug delivery methods.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions that do not involve the blood-brain barrier or those who are not candidates for surgical implantation may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel biodegradable ultrasound transducer that can safely and effectively open the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to allow drugs to reach brain tissues. The approach involves using a new piezoelectric material that avoids the toxic elements found in traditional transducers, making it safer for patients. By implanting this device, the researchers aim to facilitate repeated ultrasound applications, which are necessary for effective BBB disruption. This could significantly improve the delivery of treatments for neurodegenerative diseases and brain cancers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the effectiveness of drug delivery for patients with brain-related conditions, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of ultrasound to open the blood-brain barrier has shown promise in animal studies, this specific approach using biodegradable transducers is novel and has not been extensively tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Connecticut Storrs
Storrs-Mansfield, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nguyen, Thanh — University of Connecticut Storrs
- Study coordinator: Nguyen, Thanh
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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.