Using RNA delivery to improve heart function in patients with contractile disorders
Official title: Cardiac delivery of RNA to treat contractile disorder
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11117128 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to deliver helpful RNA directly to the heart using tiny particles, aiming to improve heart function for people with conditions that make it hard for their heart to pump effectively.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $716,989 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL169448-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11117128 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with heart failure or other conditions that impair heart contractility.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable heart function or those not experiencing contractile dysfunction may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method to deliver therapeutic RNA directly to the heart to treat contractile disorders, which affect the heart's ability to pump effectively. The approach utilizes specially designed lipid nanoparticles that can efficiently transport RNA molecules to cardiac cells. By targeting specific proteins involved in heart function, the goal is to improve heart contractility and overall cardiac health. Patients may be involved in studies that assess the effectiveness of these treatments in improving heart function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve heart function in patients with contractile disorders.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using lipid nanoparticles for RNA delivery, particularly in the context of mRNA vaccines, suggesting a potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Margulies, Kenneth Ber — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Margulies, Kenneth Ber
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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.