Using stem cells to improve treatment for peripheral arterial disease in veterans
Improving Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell-Derived Endothelial Cells as Therapy for Peripheral Arterial Disease
This study is testing a new treatment for veterans with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) that uses special cells to help improve blood flow in their legs and prevent serious problems like amputations.
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 ID | NIH-10924860 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new therapy for veterans suffering from peripheral arterial disease (PAD), which often leads to severe complications like limb amputation. The approach involves using induced pluripotent stem cell-derived endothelial cells (iPSC-ECs) to enhance vascular regeneration in patients' limbs. By stimulating these cells with specific treatments, the research aims to improve blood flow and prevent major amputations. This innovative method could provide a more effective treatment option compared to current palliative care.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are veterans experiencing advanced peripheral arterial disease, particularly those at risk of limb loss.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have peripheral arterial disease or those who are not veterans may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the need for amputations and improve the quality of life for veterans with advanced PAD.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promising results using similar stem cell approaches for vascular regeneration, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
Decatur, UNITED STATES
- Veterans Health Administration — Decatur, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hekman, Katherine Elizabeth — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Hekman, Katherine Elizabeth
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 below.