Grant: Project Grant

Peripheral artery disease (PAD) is a progressive condition caused by the buildup of fatty deposits that narrow arteries and reduce blood flow to the limbs. This lack of blood flow deprives tissues of oxygen and nutrients, leading to tissue damage and increasing the risk of heart attack and stroke. PAD is a major cause of illness in Canada and places a significant burden on patients and the healthcare system. Standard treatment often involves angioplasty, where a balloon is used to open narrowed vessels, followed by stent implantation to keep them open. However, current stents have important limitations. Over time, cells can grow excessively inside the stent, causing the artery to narrow again (restenosis). Blood clots can also form within the stent (thrombosis), and healing of the vessel lining is often slow, leading to further complications and repeat procedures. This study aims to engineer a next-generation peripheral vascular stent capable of dual delivery of therapeutic genes and pharmacological agents directly to the arterial wall. The proposed platform integrates localized gene therapy with controlled drug release to promote rapid endothelial regeneration, suppress smooth muscle cell proliferation, and reduce thrombotic risk. We will employ in vitro vascular cell models and in vivo preclinical animal studies to elucidate the stent's mechanism of action, assess biocompatibility and biosafety, and determine therapeutic efficacy in preventing restenosis. This research will advance vascular stent design and may lead to a transformative treatment option for PAD patients.