Using a special polymer to enhance stem cell therapy for better recovery after a stroke
Official title: A Conductive Polymer-Stem Cell System to Augment Endogenous Stroke Repair Mechanisms and Improve Functional Stroke Recovery
Funded at Stanford University · NIH-10993083 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help stroke patients recover better by using a special material that delivers brain cells directly where they’re needed and also provides gentle electrical stimulation to boost healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Stanford University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Stanford, United States) |
| Project start | December 1, 2022 |
| Project end | November 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $348,288 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS126761-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10993083 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have experienced an acute stroke.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not had a stroke or those with chronic neurological conditions unrelated to stroke may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to improve recovery for stroke patients by using a conductive polymer to deliver neural stem cells directly into the brain. The polymer not only serves as a scaffold for the stem cells but also allows for electrical stimulation, which has been shown to enhance the effectiveness of the stem cell therapy. By combining these two methods, the research aims to promote the brain's natural repair mechanisms and improve overall functional recovery after a stroke. Patients may benefit from this innovative treatment that seeks to address the limitations of current stroke therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved recovery outcomes for stroke patients by enhancing the brain's ability to heal itself.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cell therapies for stroke recovery, but the combination with conductive polymers and electrical stimulation is a novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Stanford University
Stanford, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: George, Paul — Stanford University
- Study coordinator: George, Paul
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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.