NIH-funded research R01 grant

Developing a new dry powder aerosol treatment for lung issues in patients with respiratory distress

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-10863857 · Data updated 2026-11-12

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.

More Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVirginia Commonwealth University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Richmond, United States)
Project startJuly 1, 2023
Project endJune 30, 2026
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$733,241
NIH project number5R01HL164508-02
Project IDNIH-10863857 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include adults and children experiencing hypoxemia or ARDS due to direct lung injury.

Less likely to help

Patients with chronic respiratory conditions or those who do not experience acute respiratory distress 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 approach aims to improve the delivery method compared to traditional liquid surfactant therapies, which often require invasive procedures and large volumes of liquid. By optimizing aerosol delivery strategies for various ventilation support methods, the research seeks to provide a safer and more effective treatment option for patients experiencing severe lung injury. The study will involve preclinical development to ensure the product is efficient and safe for use in clinical settings.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a more effective and less invasive treatment for patients with severe respiratory distress, potentially improving their recovery outcomes.

How similar studies have gone: While traditional surfactant therapies have faced challenges, this novel approach using dry powder aerosol delivery is relatively untested, presenting an opportunity for breakthrough advancements.

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.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.