Developing a new dry powder aerosol to help patients with severe breathing problems

Preclinical development of a synthetic lung surfactant dry powder aerosol for hypoxemia or acute respiratory distress syndrome patients receiving different modes of ventilation support

NIH-funded research Virginia Commonwealth University · NIH-11020319

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 typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project IDNIH-11020319 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing hypoxemia or ARDS who require mechanical ventilation support.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic respiratory conditions or those not requiring ventilatory support may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Richmond, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeAdult Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.