Developing a new treatment to reduce death and injury from toxic gas exposure.

Novel lead compound advancement for mitigating halogen-induced mortality and morbidity.

NIH-funded research University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10881741

This study is looking for ways to help people who have been hurt by breathing in harmful gases like chlorine and bromine, and it’s testing a special compound that might protect the heart and improve survival after such exposure.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Birmingham, United States)
Project IDNIH-10881741 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on finding effective antidotes for injuries caused by inhaling toxic halogen gases like chlorine and bromine. Using a specialized rat model, researchers have identified a promising compound, a calpain inhibitor, that shows potential in reducing heart damage and improving survival rates after exposure to these gases. The study involves administering this compound after exposure and assessing its effects on cardiac function and overall health. The goal is to translate these findings into treatments that could benefit humans in similar toxic exposure scenarios.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research would include individuals who are at risk of exposure to chlorine or bromine, such as first responders or workers in hazardous environments.

Not a fit: Patients who have not been exposed to toxic halogen gases or those with pre-existing severe cardiac conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a life-saving treatment for individuals exposed to toxic halogen gases.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown success in using calpain inhibitors for similar types of injuries, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.

Where this research is happening

Birmingham, 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.
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.