Developing a new dry powder aerosol to help patients with severe breathing problems
Official title: Preclinical development of a synthetic lung surfactant dry powder aerosol for hypoxemia or acute respiratory distress syndrome patients receiving different modes of ventilation support
Funded at Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11020319 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new dry powder treatment that can be turned into a mist to help people with breathing problems like hypoxemia or ARDS, and it aims to see if this treatment can reduce lung inflammation and work even better when combined with another medicine.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Virginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Richmond, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $73,068 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HL164508-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11020319 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing hypoxemia or ARDS who require mechanical ventilation support.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic respiratory conditions or those not requiring ventilatory support may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a synthetic lung surfactant in dry powder form that can be delivered as an aerosol to patients suffering from hypoxemia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The project involves preclinical testing using a rat model to evaluate the effectiveness of this new treatment in reducing lung inflammation caused by mechanical ventilation. The research also explores the potential of combining this surfactant with a small molecule inhibitor to enhance its therapeutic effects. By investigating these approaches, the research aims to improve respiratory support for patients in critical care settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a novel treatment that significantly improves oxygenation and reduces lung injury in patients with severe respiratory conditions.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using aerosolized surfactants for respiratory conditions, indicating potential for success with this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Longest, P. Worth — Virginia Commonwealth University
- Study coordinator: Longest, P. Worth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Dry powder lung surfactant aerosol for people with low oxygen or ARDS on breathing support
This project is creating a dry powder lung surfactant you could inhale to help adults with low oxygen or ARDS who are on oxygen, noninvasive breathing support, or ventilators.
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Developing a new dry powder aerosol treatment for lung issues in patients with respiratory distress
This study is working on a new way to help people with serious breathing problems, like low oxygen levels or acute respiratory distress syndrome, by creating a dry powder that can be easily inhaled instead of using liquid treatments that can be harder to give.
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This project looks at whether measuring dead space and using inhaled nitric oxide can help improve outcomes for children with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
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.