Developing a new treatment for lung injury caused by pneumonia
Official title: Targeted delivery of novel miRNA-based therapeutics for pneumonia-induced acute lung injury
Funded at Advac Therapeutic, LLC · NIH-10700810 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people, especially kids and older adults, recover from serious lung problems caused by bacterial pneumonia by using tiny molecules called microRNAs to heal damaged lung cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Advac Therapeutic, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Phoenixville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 8, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $286,226 |
| NIH project number | 5R41AI155327-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10700810 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include children and elderly individuals who are at high risk for severe pneumonia and its complications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pneumonia who do not progress to acute lung injury or ARDS may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on creating a novel therapeutic approach using microRNA (miRNA) to treat acute lung injury resulting from bacterial pneumonia, particularly in vulnerable populations like children and the elderly. The study aims to address the severe complications that arise from pneumonia, such as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), which often leads to hospitalization and long-term health issues. By investigating the role of specific miRNAs that promote the regeneration of damaged lung cells, the research seeks to provide a new avenue for treatment where current options are lacking. The approach involves preclinical testing in a mouse model to evaluate the effectiveness of this miRNA-based therapy in repairing lung tissue.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment that helps repair lung damage in patients suffering from pneumonia and ARDS, potentially reducing mortality and improving recovery outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of miRNA-based therapies is a relatively novel approach, preliminary studies have shown promise in similar contexts, indicating potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Advac Therapeutic, LLC
Phoenixville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Akerley, Brian — Advac Therapeutic, LLC
- Study coordinator: Akerley, Brian
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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.