Using nanoparticles to improve gene therapy for blood stem cells

CD90-targeted nanoparticles for in vivo hematopoietic stem cell gene therapy

NIH-funded research Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center · NIH-11048496

This study is exploring a new way to use tiny particles to change your own blood stem cells right in your body, making gene therapy easier and safer for people with genetic blood disorders who struggle to find donors for transplants.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionFred Hutchinson Cancer Center NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Seattle, United States)
Project IDNIH-11048496 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a method to genetically modify a patient's own blood stem cells using nanoparticles, which could allow for safer and more accessible gene therapy. Currently, many patients with genetic blood disorders face challenges in finding suitable donors for stem cell transplants, and existing gene therapy methods require complex facilities. By enabling in vivo gene therapy, this approach aims to simplify the process and reduce the need for specialized infrastructure. The research will utilize advanced techniques to ensure that the nanoparticles effectively target and modify the blood stem cells directly within the patient's body.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are patients with genetic blood disorders who do not have a suitable HLA-matched donor for stem cell transplantation.

Not a fit: Patients with non-genetic blood disorders or those who have access to suitable HLA-matched donors may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a safer and more accessible treatment option for patients with genetic blood diseases.

How similar studies have performed: While gene therapy for blood disorders has shown promise, the specific approach of using nanoparticles for in vivo modification is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.

Where this research is happening

Seattle, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.