Cardiopulmonary chip model to study right heart disease from high blood pressure in the lungs
Official title: A cardiopulmonary unit-on-a-chip to investigate the pathophysiology and develop targeted treatments for right ventricular hypertrophy caused by pulmonary arterial hypertension
Funded at Medluidics LLC · NIH-11410451 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A tiny heart-lung chip is being developed to understand why the right side of the heart enlarges in people with pulmonary arterial hypertension and to test targeted treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medluidics LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Elk Grove, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $227,639 |
| NIH project number | 1R43HL178322-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11410451 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension who could benefit from improved understanding of RVH and future targeted treatments.
✕Less likely to help
This work is preclinical and does not involve active patient participation at this stage.
What this research studies
This project uses a microfluidic organ-on-a-chip to mimic the human right ventricle’s response to high pressure from the lungs. It will explore mechanical, electrical, chemical, and molecular changes, including differences between sexes and the role of sex hormones. The team aims to create a human-relevant model that better reflects RVH in PAH than traditional animal or 2D cell systems, enabling more precise testing of therapies. The work builds on a previously developed chip and seeks to bridge gaps between basic science and patient-focused treatment development.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the chip could accelerate the discovery and testing of therapies that prevent or reverse right heart damage in PAH patients.
How similar studies have gone: Organ-on-a-chip models have shown promise in replicating human organ responses and guiding drug development, though PAH-specific RV models are still emerging.
Where this research is happening
-
Medluidics LLC
Elk Grove, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akif, Adnan — Medluidics LLC
- Study coordinator: Akif, Adnan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how blood flow and pressure affect lungs in PAH
This grant studies how abnormal blood flow and pressure contribute to pulmonary arterial hypertension and how patient factors shape these effects, with the aim of guiding better therapies.
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Asporin as a double-targeted therapy and biomarker for a serious artery disease
This project tests a protein called asporin as both a treatment and a biomarker for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) to help people with this life-threatening condition.
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Platelets and fibroblasts linked to energy use in a hard-to-treat blood vessel disease
A research team at the University of Pittsburgh is studying how platelet energy metabolism and fibroblast glutamine use interact in systemic sclerosis-related pulmonary arterial hypertension to improve diagnosis and treatment.
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A biatrial dual‑lumen catheter to help the heart and lungs in pulmonary arterial hypertension
A new double‑lumen catheter is being developed to unload the right side of the heart and protect the lungs for people with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
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Endothelial inflammation and Src kinase in early pulmonary arterial hypertension
Researchers are studying how inflammation in the lining of blood vessels and a protein called Src kinase contribute to early lung artery remodeling in people with mild PAH.
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Empagliflozin to Improve Right Ventricular Function in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
A 3-center, placebo-controlled study tests whether daily 10 mg empagliflozin for 24 weeks can help heart function and other outcomes in people with PAH.
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.