Clemson University researchers have developed nanoparticles
that can deliver drugs targeting damaged arteries, a non-invasive method to fight
heart disease.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. One of the
standard ways to treat clogged and damaged arteries currently is to implant
vascular stents, which hold the vessels open and release such drugs as
paclitaxel.
The researchers, led by Clemson bioengineering professor
Naren Vyavahare, hope their advanced nanoparticles could be used alongside
stents or in lieu of them.