Using stem cells to improve blood flow in patients with severe leg ischemia
Official title: Applying induced pluripotent stem cell derived endothelial cells to regenerative therapy in chronic limb threatening ischemia
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11091415 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to help veterans with chronic limb threatening ischemia, a serious condition that can lead to losing a limb, by using special cells to improve blood flow and heal damaged blood vessels.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Decatur, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | April 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004399-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11091415 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are veterans suffering from chronic limb threatening ischemia who are not suitable for traditional surgical interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild peripheral arterial disease or those who are candidates for standard revascularization procedures may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI), a severe form of peripheral arterial disease that affects many veterans. The approach involves using induced pluripotent stem cells to create endothelial cells, which are crucial for forming healthy blood vessels. By applying these stem cells, the research aims to enhance blood flow and potentially prevent limb loss in patients who currently have limited treatment options. The study will explore how these stem cells can be effectively used to regenerate damaged blood vessels and improve overall limb health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel therapy that significantly improves blood flow and reduces the risk of limb loss for patients with severe ischemia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using stem cell therapies for vascular diseases, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Decatur, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hekman, Katherine Elizabeth — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Hekman, Katherine Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Proteomics and precision treatment for severe limb-threatening PAD (CLTI)
A patient-facing look at using blood protein data to predict outcomes and guide safer, more effective treatment for people with the most severe peripheral artery disease.
-
Tailored treatment paths for people with severe limb-threatening leg artery disease
This grant aims to use advanced analytics to create personalized treatment sequences for adults with chronic limb-threatening ischemia to improve survival and limb preservation.
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Improving Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia in the U.S.
A nationwide study aims to understand why some people with severe leg artery disease progress to limb-threatening conditions and amputation, with an emphasis on Black adults and other communities.
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Fatty scarring in severe leg ischemia
Researchers are seeing whether changing a cell signal called Hedgehog can reduce fat and scar tissue in calf muscles and help people with severe poor blood flow to the leg regain better blood flow and muscle function.
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Investigating how fatty fibrosis affects severe limb ischemia
This study is looking at how fatty fibrosis affects people with chronic limb threatening ischemia (CLTI), a condition that causes poor blood flow and can lead to severe pain or even amputation, to find new ways to improve blood flow and muscle function in those struggling with this issue.
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Using machine learning to predict disease progression and survival in patients with severe limb ischemia.
This study is working on a smart system that helps doctors understand how serious chronic limb-threatening ischemia (CLTI) is for patients and how it changes over time, so they can give the best treatment possible and improve health outcomes.
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.