Delivering anti-fibrotic treatment directly to lung cells to reverse fibrosis
Official title: Localizing Therapeutics to Target Lung Myofibroblasts and Reverse Fibrosis
Funded at Proteogenomics Research Instit/sys/ Med · NIH-11411475 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aimed at delivering antifibrotic drugs straight to lung tissue to help reverse scarring in patients with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Proteogenomics Research Instit/sys/ Med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $764,403 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL175948-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411475 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or related fibrotic lung diseases who are candidates for antifibrotic therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without IPF or those unable to tolerate antifibrotic therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project seeks to develop a lung-specific drug delivery system that bypasses the bloodstream barrier and targets lung endothelial cells to release anti-fibrotic drugs directly into the tissue. By focusing on lung microvasculature and myofibroblasts, researchers hope to reduce fibrosis more effectively while minimizing exposure to other organs. The approach involves intravenous delivery of a precision system designed to release medications at the site of injury, with preclinical testing to evaluate efficacy and safety. If successful, this could lead to more powerful therapies that actually reverse fibrosis rather than merely slow its progression.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with IPF could experience reduced scarring and improved lung function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work shows promise in targeted lung delivery, but reversing established fibrosis remains a novel goal.
Where this research is happening
-
Proteogenomics Research Instit/sys/ Med
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olenyuk, Bogdan — Proteogenomics Research Instit/sys/ Med
- Study coordinator: Olenyuk, Bogdan
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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.