NIH-funded research R01 grant

Using cerium oxide nanoparticles to improve imaging and treatment for inflammatory bowel disease

Official title: Cerium oxide nanoparticles for CT imaging and catalytic therapeutic intervention in inflammatory bowel disease

Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11017936 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is exploring a new type of tiny particles called cerium oxide nanoparticles to see if they can help improve CT scans for people with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) by making it easier to spot inflammation and possibly even help reduce it.

More Inflammatory Bowel Disease research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pennsylvania
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project startJanuary 1, 2025
Project endDecember 31, 2028
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$477,129
NIH project number1R01EB036942-01
Project IDNIH-11017936 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with inflammatory bowel disease who require imaging and treatment.

Less likely to help

Patients without inflammatory bowel disease or those who do not require imaging may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the use of cerium oxide nanoparticles as a new contrast agent for computed tomography (CT) imaging specifically targeting inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Traditional contrast agents like iodine and barium are not effective in pinpointing inflammation, making diagnosis challenging. The study aims to enhance imaging accuracy by using dextran-coated cerium oxide nanoparticles, which have shown promise in accumulating at inflammation sites. Additionally, these nanoparticles may also possess anti-inflammatory properties, potentially offering a new therapeutic option for patients with IBD.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate diagnoses and improved treatment options for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease.

How similar studies have gone: While the use of cerium oxide nanoparticles in this context is relatively novel, preliminary data suggests potential success in similar applications.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pennsylvania
    Philadelphia, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Cormode, David Peter — University of Pennsylvania
  • Study coordinator: Cormode, David Peter

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.