A new medicine that blocks a lung inflammation protein (MAPK13)
A New Small-Molecule Kinase Inhibitor for Airway Disease
This project is creating a new medicine that blocks the MAPK13 protein to reduce inflammation and mucus in people with asthma, COPD, or long COVID.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nupeak Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11193773 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Researchers at NuPeak are designing a first-in-class small-molecule drug (lead NuP-4A) that targets MAPK13, a kinase linked to airway inflammation and mucus production. They used structure-based drug design and lab testing in human cells and animal models to optimize potency, safety, and selectivity. The current grant supports the preclinical steps needed before human testing, such as detailed binding studies, selectivity profiling, and safety experiments. If those steps succeed, the program aims to advance the candidate toward clinical trials for people with airway diseases.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with moderate-to-severe asthma, COPD, or ongoing respiratory symptoms after COVID-19 are the most likely candidates once human trials begin.
Not a fit: People whose breathing problems are caused by non-inflammatory structural issues, or those who do not meet trial eligibility (for example certain comorbidities or pregnancy), may not benefit or be eligible.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could reduce airway inflammation and mucus, improving breathing and lowering flare-ups in people with asthma, COPD, or long COVID.
How similar studies have performed: Kinase inhibitors are an established drug class, but targeting MAPK13 for airway disease is a novel approach with promising preclinical support and limited clinical evidence so far.
Where this research is happening
Saint Louis, United States
- Nupeak Therapeutics, INC. — Saint Louis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Broschat, Kay O — Nupeak Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Broschat, Kay O
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 below.