Using special hydrogels to improve cell therapy for brain diseases
Official title: Programmable Hydrogels for Optimized Human Oligodendrocyte Transplantation in Demyelinating Disease
Funded at State University of New York at Buffalo · NIH-10868741 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to help transplant special brain cells to treat conditions like multiple sclerosis, using special gels to keep the cells safe during the process, which could lead to better recovery and improved brain function for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | State University of New York at Buffalo NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Amherst, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $553,693 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS130130-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10868741 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with demyelinating diseases such as multiple sclerosis who are seeking advanced treatment options.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-demyelinating neurological conditions or those who do not qualify for cell transplantation therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on enhancing the transplantation of human oligodendrocyte precursor cells (OPCs) to treat demyelinating diseases like multiple sclerosis. The team will develop innovative hydrogels that help protect these cells during injection, aiming to improve their survival and effectiveness in repairing damaged brain tissue. By addressing the challenges of cell death and immune response, this approach seeks to create a more favorable environment for successful cell therapy. Patients may benefit from improved neurological function and better outcomes in their treatment.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with demyelinating diseases, potentially restoring lost neurological functions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using cell therapies for neurological conditions, but this specific approach with hydrogels is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
State University of New York at Buffalo
Amherst, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Andreadis, Stelios Theoharis — State University of New York at Buffalo
- Study coordinator: Andreadis, Stelios Theoharis
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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.