Federal Grant Award Summary

The University of Colorado-Denver received a $429,000 Project Grant from the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB) under the Discovery and Applied Research for Technological Innovations to Improve Human Health program (CFDA 93.286). The award, effective April 1, 2026, through March 31, 2028, supports research to develop PLGA (poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid))-encapsulated phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) nanoparticles as a novel therapeutic strategy for preventing restenosis and atherosclerotic progression in cardiovascular disease. This research addresses significant limitations in current drug-eluting stent (DES) technology by targeting vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) function through multi-pathway mechanisms that preserve SMC phenotype, block inflammation, and prevent vascular disease progression.

The project represents a technology-driven biomedical innovation focused on developing and validating a regenerative medicine approach that directly targets the underlying pathophysiology of coronary artery disease rather than relying solely on timed drug release mechanisms. By upregulating PTEN phosphatase activity and nuclear transcriptional function, the nanoparticle delivery system aims to mitigate neointimal hyperplasia while promoting endothelial repair and reducing late stent thrombosis—outcomes not adequately achieved by FDA-approved drug-eluting stents. The research conducted at the Aurora, Colorado facility will advance both scientific understanding of vascular remodeling mechanisms and the clinical application of engineered biomaterials for improved cardiovascular interventions.