Condition

Respiratory Distress Syndrome clinical trials and research

• 15Clinical trials
• 48NIH research projects
• 11Countries

Newest Respiratory Distress Syndrome clinical trials

All recruiting trials (15)

• Caffeine in pregnancy: how the mother and baby handle it during delivery

  This study tests how caffeine is processed in pregnant people and how much reaches the baby when given shortly before delivery.

  Recruiting Phase 1 Indiana University · Indianapolis, Indiana · NCT07570121

• L-carnitine for preterm babies with respiratory distress syndrome

  This will see if giving L-carnitine to preterm babies with respiratory distress helps them gain weight, leave the hospital sooner, or survive the early newborn period.

  Recruiting RESnTEC, Institute of Research · Muzaffargarh, Punjab Province · NCT07437391

• Serum endocan and copeptin levels in preterm babies with respiratory distress

  This will test whether blood levels of endocan and copeptin on the first day of life are linked to how severe respiratory distress is in preterm newborns (28–36 weeks).

  Recruiting Tanta University · Tanta, El-Gharbia · NCT07154134

• Impact of elective cesarean sections on newborn respiratory distress

  This study looks at whether having an elective cesarean section affects the chances of newborns having breathing problems, specifically for pregnant women aged 20-39 who are at least 37 weeks along and have received treatment to help their baby's lungs.

  Recruiting Assiut University · Asyut · NCT06874478

• Lung and heart ultrasound for acute breathlessness in older adults

  This project will test whether using bedside lung and heart ultrasound helps doctors quickly find the cause and give the right treatment for sudden breathlessness in people over 65.

  Recruiting University Hospital, Toulouse · Toulouse · NCT06807983

• APC-0101 with noninvasive breathing support for preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome

  This will test whether inhaled APC-0101 given with nCPAP/NIV helps preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome breathe better than nCPAP/NIV alone.

  Recruiting at 30 sites Phase 3 Aerogen Pharma Limited · Little Rock, Arkansas and 30 other locations · NCT06776783

• Evaluating a new treatment to prevent severe COVID-19 complications

  This study is testing a new treatment to see if it can help hospitalized COVID-19 patients avoid severe complications caused by inflammation.

  Recruiting at 3 sites Phase 1/2 Peaches Biotech · Alcalá de Henares, Madrid and 2 other locations · NCT06684379

• Changing high-flow nasal ventilation rate to see how CO2 levels respond in preterm infants

  This study will see if using a lower (2 LPM) versus higher (6 LPM) high-flow nasal ventilation rate changes carbon dioxide levels in preterm infants who need non-invasive breathing support.

  Recruiting Rambam Health Care Campus · Haifa · NCT06622902

• Personalized ventilation strategies for patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

  This study is testing how different breathing support levels and body positions can help improve lung function in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome.

  Recruiting Zhongda Hospital · Nanjing, Jiangsu · NCT06430554

• Less invasive surfactant administration during high-flow oxygen in late preterm and early term infants

  This study tests whether giving surfactant with a less invasive method during high-flow oxygen reduces the need for invasive ventilation in babies born 34 to 38 weeks who have breathing problems after birth.

  Recruiting King's College Hospital NHS Trust · London · NCT06421506

• Investigating surfactants for treating respiratory distress in preterm infants

  This study is testing whether two different surfactants can help preterm infants with breathing problems feel better without needing a breathing tube.

  Recruiting Phase 4 Endeavor Health · Evanston, Illinois · NCT06074380

• Using spinal cord stimulation to reduce ventilator dependence in ARDS patients

  This study is testing if a new non-invasive spinal cord stimulation can help patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome who are on ventilators keep their breathing muscles strong and reduce their dependence on the machine.

  Recruiting University of California, Los Angeles · Los Angeles, California · NCT05928052

• Evaluating breathing support methods for preterm infants

  This study is testing whether a new breathing support method called nasal high flow therapy can help stable preterm infants with breathing problems feel more comfortable compared to the traditional method.

  Recruiting at 2 sites Insel Gruppe AG, University Hospital Bern · Mainz, Rhineland-Palatinate and 1 other locations · NCT05908227

• Using surfactant in preterm newborns with NRDS or NARDS

  This research will try to see if giving one dose versus two or more doses of surfactant helps preterm infants with NRDS or NARDS.

  Recruiting Daping Hospital and the Research Institute of Surgery of the Third Military Medical University · Chongqing, Chongqing Municipality · NCT04777760

• Measuring lung function in infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia

  This study is testing a new device to measure lung function in sleeping infants with bronchopulmonary dysplasia to help better understand their breathing problems.

  Recruiting Children's Mercy Hospital Kansas City · Kansas City, Missouri · NCT04270045

NIH-funded research (newest 40 of 48)

Early-stage science funded by the US National Institutes of Health. Most of these projects don't enroll patients, but they show what is being worked on.

• Enhancing lung surfactant production by blocking LRRK2 in newborns at risk for respiratory distress

  This study tests whether blocking a protein called LRRK2 can boost natural surfactant production in the lungs of newborns at risk for respiratory distress syndrome (RDS).

  NIH research University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, United States · NIH-11450930

• Identifying ARDS patients who may benefit from paralytics guided by high-frequency clinical data

  This grant aims to help doctors figure out which adults with ARDS are most likely to benefit from paralytic medications using detailed bedside data and electronic health records.

  NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11432547

• Resilience endotypes and early ARDS detection using biomarkers and AI

  A Duke University team is using biomarkers and smart data analysis to detect ARDS early and uncover patterns that predict how patients recover.

  NIH research Duke University · Durham, United States · NIH-11416345

• PAR1’s role in lung lymphatics and a new therapy approach for ARDS

  This grant explores how the thrombin receptor PAR1 affects lung lymphatics to understand and ultimately reduce lung injury in ARDS patients.

  NIH research Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · New York, United States · NIH-11412416

• Dead space and inhaled nitric oxide in pediatric ARDS

  This project looks at whether measuring dead space and using inhaled nitric oxide can help improve outcomes for children with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

  NIH research Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11411416

• Immune, hormone, and muscle energy links to recovery after ARDS

  This project looks at why some ARDS survivors have ongoing weakness and how immune, hormone, and muscle energy factors might influence recovery.</n>

  NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11402596

• Understanding why some people with severe lung injury get worse and how to tailor therapy

  A patient-focused program that looks at why people develop sepsis-associated ARDS and how their bodies respond, with the goal of guiding better, personalized treatments.

  NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11401781

• Imaging the Pulmonary Circulation to Personalize ARDS Care

  A patient-focused look at using advanced imaging to understand lung blood flow in ARDS so doctors can tailor treatments.

  NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11385479

• Advanced methods to interpret ARDS trials with modern statistics

  Aims to reanalyze past ARDS trials using Bayesian and machine-learning methods to better identify treatments that help patients with acute respiratory failure.

  NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11324920

• Great Lakes ARDS, Pneumonia & Sepsis Patient Registry Network

  A large multi-hospital effort will enroll and deeply profile adults with ARDS, pneumonia, or sepsis to understand why these conditions vary so much and to guide better trials and treatments.

  NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11321086

• MicroRNA control of lung inflammation in ARDS

  Researchers aim to use a small genetic regulator called miR-147 in immune cells to calm harmful lung inflammation in adults with ARDS.

  NIH research University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · Houston, United States · NIH-11317031

• How influenza may protect against malaria-related lung failure

  Researchers are testing whether a prior influenza infection can change lung cells and immune cells to stop severe malaria from causing life-threatening lung injury.

  NIH research Utah State Higher Education System--University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11291308

• Exploring how blood vessel damage affects breathing difficulties in patients with ARDS

  This study is looking at how damage to blood vessels affects the seriousness of lung problems in people with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), and it hopes to find clues in the blood that can help doctors give better, more tailored treatments to patients.

  NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11271544

• Breath-based point-of-care test to diagnose and monitor acute respiratory distress syndrome

  A small bedside breath analyzer will look for chemical patterns in exhaled air to detect and track ARDS in adults.

  NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11263626

• Steroid treatment strategies for adults with ARDS

  This project uses large ICU medical records to compare different steroid timing and dosing approaches for adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome to learn which approaches may work best.

  NIH research Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Cambridge, United States · NIH-11258563

• Using lung dead space and inhaled nitric oxide to guide care for children with ARDS

  Seeing if measuring lung 'dead space' and using inhaled nitric oxide can help doctors treat children with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

  NIH research Children's Hospital of Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11195527

• Why some people don't regain strength after ARDS

  This project looks at whether lasting immune, hormone, and muscle energy problems explain why some adults who survived ARDS stay weak after leaving the hospital.

  NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-11184324

• Why some people get ARDS and respond differently to treatment

  This project looks at blood and genetic markers in adults with sepsis-related ARDS to find patterns that could guide different treatments.

  NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11146722

• Imaging lung blood flow to personalize ARDS care

  This project uses advanced imaging to map blood flow in the lungs of people with ARDS so doctors can better target treatments.

  NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11145964

• Dry powder lung surfactant aerosol for people with low oxygen or ARDS on breathing support

  This project is creating a dry powder lung surfactant you could inhale to help adults with low oxygen or ARDS who are on oxygen, noninvasive breathing support, or ventilators.

  NIH research Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond, United States · NIH-11145634

• New treatments for severe lung inflammation in older adults

  This study is working on new medications to help people with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), especially those who have had respiratory infections like COVID-19, by creating drugs that can reduce harmful inflammation in the lungs while keeping the good stuff intact.

  NIH research Baltimore VA Medical Center · Baltimore, United States · NIH-11098473

• Improving treatments for acute respiratory distress syndrome using advanced statistical methods

  This study is looking at past clinical trial data to find new and better treatments for people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by using advanced techniques, so we can help patients get the care they need.

  NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11092829

• Investigating the causes and treatments of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, pneumonia, and sepsis.

  This study is looking at how Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), pneumonia, and sepsis are connected, and it aims to help at least 1,000 patients by collecting health information and samples to find better, personalized treatments for these serious conditions over the next six years.

  NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11085978

• Understanding how influenza may protect against severe malaria-related lung issues in mice

  This study is looking at how having the flu might actually help protect against serious lung problems caused by malaria, and it's aimed at finding new ways to treat people who are dealing with these tough health issues.

  NIH research University of Utah · Salt Lake City, United States · NIH-11080148

• Understanding how heart problems affect children with severe lung issues.

  This study is looking at how heart problems, like pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular dysfunction, affect children with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), to better understand their health and improve treatment for these kids.

  NIH research Children's Hosp of Philadelphia · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11065521

• Understanding the genetics of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

  This study is looking at how our genes might affect how people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) respond to the condition, so we can better understand it and find more effective treatments for those who are critically ill.

  NIH research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · Nashville, United States · NIH-11061058

• Using existing data to improve steroid treatments for patients with severe lung injury.

  This study is looking at how we can use information from past patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to find better treatment options that fit each person's needs, especially after what we learned during the COVID pandemic.

  NIH research Massachusetts Institute of Technology · Cambridge, United States · NIH-11045349

• Improving outcomes for adults with ARDS by learning from nurses at top hospitals

  This project explores how nursing staff, resources, and care practices in hospitals relate to survival and readmission for adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

  NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-11044193

• Developing a new dry powder aerosol to help patients with severe breathing problems

  This study is testing a new dry powder treatment that can be turned into a mist to help people with breathing problems like hypoxemia or ARDS, and it aims to see if this treatment can reduce lung inflammation and work even better when combined with another medicine.

  NIH research Virginia Commonwealth University · Richmond, United States · NIH-11020319

• Investigating how specific microRNAs can reduce lung inflammation in acute respiratory distress syndrome.

  This study is looking at how a tiny molecule called microRNA-147 can help control lung inflammation in people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), with the goal of finding new ways to reduce this inflammation and improve treatment for patients.

  NIH research University of Texas Hlth Sci Ctr Houston · Houston, United States · NIH-11014421

• Exploring how blood vessel damage affects breathing difficulties in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

  This study is looking at how damage to blood vessels affects breathing problems in people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and aims to find better ways to treat this serious condition by checking certain blood markers.

  NIH research University of California Los Angeles · Los Angeles, United States · NIH-11004968

• A device to diagnose and monitor acute respiratory distress syndrome using breath analysis

  This study is testing a small, portable device that can analyze your breath to help doctors diagnose and keep track of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by looking for specific chemicals in your breath.

  NIH research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, United States · NIH-11004101

• Improving treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome using advanced imaging techniques

  This study is looking at how blood flow in the lungs works for people with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS), especially those affected by COVID-19, using special imaging techniques to help doctors find better ways to treat them.

  NIH research Massachusetts General Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-10978564

• New treatment for severe lung complications from sepsis

  This study is testing a new inhaled medication to help people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by sepsis, aiming to reduce lung inflammation and improve breathing for those at risk.

  NIH research Cmtx Biotech, INC. · Kings Park, United States · NIH-10950503

• Targeting a key immune protein to improve treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome.

  This study is looking at how a special treatment can help people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) by blocking a protein called CD14, which might help calm down the overactive immune response in their lungs, especially for those with COVID-19.

  NIH research University of Washington · Seattle, United States · NIH-10948018

• Investigating factors affecting recovery in survivors of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

  This study is looking at why some people who survived severe lung issues from COVID-19 still feel weak and have trouble recovering, and it’s for ARDS survivors who want to help find ways to improve their recovery over the next year.

  NIH research Columbia University Health Sciences · New York, United States · NIH-10917148

• Identifying and preventing severe lung complications after stem cell transplants

  This study is looking to help patients who are getting a stem cell transplant by finding ways to predict and prevent a serious lung problem called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), so they can have a smoother recovery.

  NIH research Mayo Clinic Rochester · Rochester, United States · NIH-10909914

• How aging and inflammation affect outcomes in severe lung disease

  This study is looking at how aging and inflammation affect the severity of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) in older adults, with the goal of finding better treatments that fit each person's unique health profile.

  NIH research University of Maryland Baltimore · Baltimore, United States · NIH-10906138

• Improving the use of stomach positioning for patients with severe respiratory issues

  This study is looking for ways to help doctors use a special treatment called prone positioning more often for patients with severe breathing problems from COVID-19, so they can get better care in the hospital.

  NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-10899599

• Understanding how individual differences affect responses to acute respiratory distress syndrome

  This study is looking at how our bodies' immune responses and genetic traits affect the risk of developing acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) during serious illnesses like sepsis and COVID-19, with the hope of finding better treatments to help patients recover and survive.

  NIH research University of Pennsylvania · Philadelphia, United States · NIH-10894801

Related topics

Quick answers

How many Respiratory Distress Syndrome clinical trials are recruiting right now?

15, as of November 12, 2026. We update this list each time we refresh our data from ClinicalTrials.gov.

Where are these trials running?

In 11 countries. The most sites are in United States (5 trials), China (2 trials), Egypt (2 trials), United Kingdom (2 trials), Spain (1 trial). Each study page lists its sites and which ones are recruiting.

What phases are they in?

Phase 1/2: 1, Phase 3: 1, Phase 1: 1, Phase 4: 1. Trials with no phase listed are usually device, behavioural or observational studies.

How do I join one?

Open a study, check the "Is this trial a fit for you?" section, then contact the study team listed on the page. They will ask a few screening questions. Asking is free and does not commit you to anything. Talk it over with your doctor first.

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