Using RNA aptamers to block harmful proteins in sepsis
Official title: Neutralizing Circulating Histones With an RNA Aptamer to Prevent MultiorganDysfunction in Sepsis
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-10920633 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a special treatment called KU7 that might help protect organs and improve survival for people with sepsis by blocking harmful proteins in the blood.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Nashville, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2024 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 1I21BX005931-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10920633 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with severe sepsis or at high risk of developing sepsis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild infections or those not experiencing sepsis-related complications may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of RNA aptamers to neutralize circulating histones, which are proteins that can cause severe organ dysfunction during sepsis. The approach involves administering a specific RNA aptamer, known as KU7, which has shown promise in laboratory settings by preventing harmful cellular responses triggered by histones. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of KU7 in reducing organ damage and improving survival rates in an animal model of sepsis, providing insights that could lead to new treatments for patients suffering from this critical condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel treatment that significantly reduces organ dysfunction and mortality in patients with sepsis.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of RNA aptamers is a relatively novel approach in treating sepsis, preliminary studies have shown promising results in laboratory settings, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Nashville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Miller, Francis J — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Miller, Francis J
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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.