Controlling a specific receptor to improve asthma treatment
Official title: A role for pharmaceutical control of protease-activated receptor-2 for the treatment of asthma
Funded at University of Arizona · NIH-11139431 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to help people with asthma by blocking a specific receptor that reacts to allergens, which could lead to better treatments and less severe symptoms for asthma patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Arizona NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | July 16, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $759,637 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI174540-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11139431 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals with asthma, particularly those who have not achieved adequate control with standard medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with asthma who are already well-controlled on existing therapies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new approach to treating asthma by targeting a receptor known as protease-activated receptor-2 (PAR2), which plays a role in the body's response to allergens. The study aims to develop small molecule antagonists that can inhibit the activation of PAR2, potentially reducing asthma symptoms and improving control over the disease. By using pre-clinical models, the researchers will assess the effectiveness of these novel treatments in preventing the physiological changes associated with asthma triggered by allergens. This could lead to more effective and accessible asthma therapies for patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new, more effective treatments for asthma that are less costly and more widely available.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting PAR2 for inflammatory diseases, suggesting that this approach could be a viable new treatment strategy for asthma.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Arizona
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Boitano, Scott — University of Arizona
- Study coordinator: Boitano, Scott
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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.