Using targeted microparticles to help regenerate weakened muscles
Official title: Macrophage targeted microparticles for the regeneration of atrophied muscle
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11083094 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment that uses tiny particles to deliver a special compound to help people with muscle weakness from being inactive due to injury or illness, aiming to improve their muscle strength and movement.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | May 1, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX004564-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11083094 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include older adults and veterans who have experienced muscle loss due to inactivity or age-related decline.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with muscle atrophy due to non-age-related conditions or those who are not experiencing significant muscle weakness may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment to help restore muscle function in individuals suffering from muscle atrophy, particularly due to inactivity from injury or illness. The approach involves using specially designed microparticles that deliver a compound called all-trans retinoic acid directly to the affected muscle tissue. By targeting macrophages, which play a crucial role in muscle repair and growth, this treatment aims to enhance muscle recovery and improve mobility. The study will assess the effectiveness of this treatment in restoring muscle size and function in patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel therapy that significantly improves muscle recovery and function for patients experiencing muscle atrophy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results with similar approaches targeting macrophages for muscle regeneration, indicating potential for success in this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gower, Robert Michael — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Gower, Robert Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Transcutaneous Vagal Nerve Stimulation for PTSD in Veterans
A non-invasive device gently stimulates the vagus nerve to help reduce PTSD symptoms in veterans.
-
Biomechanical check of a caregiver transfer technique tool
This grant tests a quick, objective way to measure how well informal caregivers transfer a person, with the goal of reducing caregiver and care recipient injuries.
-
Genetic vulnerabilities exposed by beta-lactamase overexpression in Acinetobacter baumannii
A funded NIH project explores how overproducing certain enzymes in the bacteria Acinetobacter baumannii may reveal new weaknesses that could lead to better treatments for this dangerous, drug-resistant infection.
-
Airway protection gone wrong in COPD
A long-running NIH project is exploring how defects in the small airways’ immune protection contribute to COPD progression and lung damage.
-
Neural Circuitry Resilience in Psychotic Disorders
Researchers are using ultra-high-field brain scans to understand how brain networks in people with schizophrenia adapt over time, with the goal of finding new ways to improve thinking and daily functioning.
-
Tools to recreate deployment-related airborne exposures affecting veterans' lungs
This project will set up lab equipment to recreate burn pit and other deployment airborne exposures so researchers can understand how they harm veterans' lungs and other organs.
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.