Using nitric oxide to improve treatments for gum disease
Official title: Nitric oxide-releasing hyaluronic acid therapeutics for treating periodontal disease
Funded at Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-11085106 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment for gum disease that uses a special gel to help fight harmful bacteria and reduce inflammation, so patients can heal better and have a more effective way to manage their condition.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Chapel Hill, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $510,874 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DE032060-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11085106 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals suffering from chronic periodontitis or other forms of periodontal disease.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild gingivitis or those without any periodontal disease may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new therapeutic approach for treating periodontal disease, which is caused by harmful microbial biofilms that lead to chronic inflammation and tissue destruction. The study focuses on developing a nitric oxide-releasing hyaluronic acid treatment that aims to combat these biofilms while also reducing inflammation and promoting healing of the affected tissues. By addressing the underlying causes of periodontal disease, this research seeks to improve current treatment methods that often fall short in managing chronic conditions. Patients may benefit from a more effective and holistic treatment option that targets both the infection and the inflammatory response.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide patients with a more effective treatment for periodontal disease that not only targets the infection but also promotes healing and reduces inflammation.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using nitric oxide for various therapeutic applications, suggesting potential success for this novel approach in treating periodontal disease.
Where this research is happening
-
Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
Chapel Hill, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Schoenfisch, Mark H — Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill
- Study coordinator: Schoenfisch, Mark H
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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.