Developing a synthetic lung surfactant for preterm infants
Official title: Preclinical Development of a ME-1001, a Synthetic Lung Surfactant
Funded at Molecular Express, INC. · NIH-11086104 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Molecular Express, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rancho Dominguez, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $999,784 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HL172526-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11086104 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
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.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not preterm or do not have neonatal respiratory distress syndrome may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Molecular Express, INC.
Rancho Dominguez, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Fujii, Gary — Molecular Express, INC.
- Study coordinator: Fujii, Gary
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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.