Using hydrogels to improve gene therapy delivery to specific organs
Official title: Hydrogel Targeting of Organ Specific Gene Therapy
Funded at Emory University · NIH-10944202 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to improve gene therapy for heart disease by using special gels that help deliver treatment directly to the heart, making it work better for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Emory University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Atlanta, United States) |
| Project start | July 25, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $635,300 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL175069-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10944202 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research would be patients with heart disease who are seeking advanced treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to gene therapy or those who do not have access to the specific delivery methods being tested may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to enhance gene therapy by using hydrogels that can effectively deliver therapeutic vectors to specific organs, particularly the heart. The study aims to overcome existing challenges in gene therapy, such as low delivery efficiency and the presence of neutralizing antibodies in the bloodstream. By engineering a special type of hydrogel, the researchers hope to improve the targeting of gene therapy vectors, ensuring they reach the intended cells more effectively. This innovative method could potentially lead to better treatment outcomes for patients with heart disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve the effectiveness of gene therapies for heart disease and other conditions by ensuring targeted delivery of therapeutic agents.
How similar studies have gone: While gene therapy has shown promise in various applications, this specific approach using hydrogels for targeted delivery is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
-
Emory University
Atlanta, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Levit, Rebecca Diane — Emory University
- Study coordinator: Levit, Rebecca Diane
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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.