Developing a synthetic lung surfactant for preterm infants

Preclinical Development of a ME-1001, a Synthetic Lung Surfactant

['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] · MOLECULAR EXPRESS, INC. · NIH-11086104

This study is testing a new treatment called ME-1001, a synthetic lung surfactant, to help preterm babies with respiratory distress syndrome breathe better and stay healthier.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_SBIR_2']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMOLECULAR EXPRESS, INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11086104 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on creating ME-1001, a synthetic lung surfactant designed to treat neonatal respiratory distress syndrome (NRDS) in preterm infants. NRDS is a serious condition caused by surfactant deficiency, leading to high rates of mortality and morbidity among affected infants. The study aims to demonstrate the effectiveness of ME-1001, which mimics natural surfactant proteins and lipids, in improving lung function and reducing complications associated with NRDS. By utilizing a fully synthetic approach, this research seeks to overcome supply limitations and cost issues associated with traditional animal-derived surfactants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants, particularly those born at or before 37 weeks of gestation, who are at risk for neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients who are not preterm or do not have neonatal respiratory distress syndrome may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce mortality and morbidity rates in preterm infants suffering from neonatal respiratory distress syndrome.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that animal-derived surfactants have been effective in treating NRDS, but this synthetic approach is novel and aims to provide a more accessible alternative.

Where this research is happening

RANCHO DOMINGUEZ, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.