Using soundwaves and stem cells to treat kidney injury

Treating Kidney Injury by Modulating Heat Shock Proteins Using Soundwaves Combined with Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Their Extracellular Vesicles

NIH-funded research Stanford University · NIH-10902020

This study is exploring a new way to help people with acute kidney injury by using special cells and tiny particles from those cells, delivered directly to the injured kidneys using soundwaves, to see if this can better heal and protect the kidneys.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionStanford University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Stanford, United States)
Project IDNIH-10902020 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel approach to treat acute kidney injury (AKI) by using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their extracellular vesicles, delivered directly to the injured kidney using soundwaves. The goal is to enhance the effectiveness of MSC therapies, which have shown promise in preclinical models but face challenges in clinical application due to poor delivery methods. By optimizing the delivery of these therapies, the research aims to protect and regenerate damaged kidney cells, potentially reversing the progression of AKI. Patients may benefit from this innovative treatment if it proves successful in clinical settings.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would be individuals diagnosed with acute kidney injury who have not responded to conventional treatments.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic kidney disease or those who do not have acute kidney injury may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new therapeutic option for patients suffering from acute kidney injury, potentially improving kidney function and survival rates.

How similar studies have performed: While MSC therapies have shown promise in preclinical studies, this specific approach of using soundwaves for targeted delivery is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.

Where this research is happening

Stanford, 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.