NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Using cell-free therapy to improve wound healing

Official title: Cell-free regenerative approach in wound healing

Funded at James a. Haley VA Medical Center · NIH-10910993 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at a new way to help heal stubborn wounds by using tiny particles from fat cells, which might help your body repair itself better, especially if you have slow-healing wounds from things like diabetes or aging.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJames a. Haley VA Medical Center
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tampa, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2022
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
NIH project number5I01BX005591-03
Project IDNIH-10910993 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include adults over 21 years old who are experiencing chronic wounds, particularly those exacerbated by conditions like diabetes or COVID-19.

Less likely to help

Patients with acute wounds or those who do not have underlying conditions affecting wound healing may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to enhance wound healing by utilizing exosomes derived from human adipose stem cells. These exosomes are believed to promote tissue repair and regeneration, particularly in patients with chronic wounds that heal slowly due to factors like aging, diabetes, or infections such as COVID-19. The study aims to understand how these cell-free therapies can stimulate the body's natural healing processes and improve outcomes for patients with recalcitrant wounds. By focusing on the biochemical mechanisms involved, the research seeks to develop effective treatments that can significantly reduce healing times and improve the quality of life for affected individuals.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for chronic wounds, reducing healing times and improving patient outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results using cell-free therapies for wound healing, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • James a. Haley VA Medical Center
    Tampa, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Patel, Niketa a. — James a. Haley VA Medical Center
  • Study coordinator: Patel, Niketa a.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.