A new way to open airways for asthma
Mitochondrial translocator protein: a target for bronchodilation
['FUNDING_R01'] · THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY · NIH-11126607
This project looks for new ways to relax airway muscles in people with asthma, aiming to improve breathing.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11126607 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Many people with asthma still struggle to control their symptoms, even with current medications. This project explores a new approach by focusing on a specific protein inside cells, called TSPO, which might help relax the muscles in the airways. Researchers are working to develop new medications that target TSPO to prevent or reverse the tightening of airways. They will use different models, including human lung samples, to understand how TSPO works and how new drugs could make breathing easier.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This foundational research is for people with asthma who experience bronchoconstriction and may not respond well to existing bronchodilators.
Not a fit: Patients whose asthma is well-controlled with current medications may not see additional benefit from this specific new approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to new and more effective bronchodilator medications for asthma patients who don't get enough relief from current treatments.
How similar studies have performed: This approach of targeting the TSPO protein for bronchodilation is novel and currently untested in human clinical applications.
Where this research is happening
PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES
- THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY — PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: NAYAK, AJAY — THOMAS JEFFERSON UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: NAYAK, AJAY
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.