Using ultrasound to deliver drugs to the heart after a heart attack
Official title: Focal Myocardial Delivery of Small Molecule Nitroalkenes using Ultrasound Targeted Microbubble Cavitation to Improve Ventricular Recovery Following Myocardial Infarction
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11047218 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help your heart heal after a heart attack by using ultrasound to send tiny medicine directly to the heart, which could make recovery better and help prevent future heart problems.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | March 4, 2025 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $720,676 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL173319-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11047218 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently experienced a myocardial infarction and are at risk for complications such as heart failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced a myocardial infarction or those with advanced heart failure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel approach to improve heart recovery following a heart attack by using ultrasound to deliver small molecule drugs directly to the heart tissue. The method involves injecting microbubbles that can be activated by ultrasound to release their therapeutic contents precisely where needed. This targeted delivery aims to address issues like microvascular obstruction and myocardial fibrosis, which can lead to heart failure. By focusing on these critical problems, the research seeks to enhance the healing process and restore heart function more effectively than current treatments.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve recovery outcomes for patients who have suffered a heart attack, potentially reducing the risk of heart failure.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using ultrasound-targeted microbubble cavitation for drug delivery, indicating potential for success with this novel application.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Pacella, John J — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Pacella, John J
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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.