Using engineered stem cells to deliver drugs in sync with the body's natural rhythms for treating rheumatoid arthritis.
Official title: Synthetic Chronogenetic Gene Circuits for Circadian Cell Therapies
Funded at Washington University · NIH-10797183 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring new stem cell implants that can release anti-inflammatory drugs at the right times to help people with rheumatoid arthritis feel better while reducing side effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 20, 2023 |
| Project end | September 19, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $376,310 |
| NIH project number | 1R21AR083662-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10797183 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis who may benefit from innovative biologic therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who are not responsive to biologic therapies or those with other unrelated conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop innovative stem cell-based implants that can release biologic drugs at specific times, aligning with the body's natural circadian rhythms. By engineering the core clock gene circuitry of induced pluripotent stem cells, the project focuses on creating a system that can synthesize anti-inflammatory drugs to treat conditions like rheumatoid arthritis. The engineered cells will be tested in both laboratory and animal models to evaluate their effectiveness in reducing inflammation while minimizing side effects associated with continuous drug administration.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective and safer treatments for patients with rheumatoid arthritis by optimizing drug delivery.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using engineered stem cells for drug delivery is innovative, similar strategies in circadian biology have shown promise in other therapeutic areas, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Guilak, Farshid — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Guilak, Farshid
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.