Developing new imaging probes to assess lung fibrosis activity
Official title: Optimization and development of extracellular matrix-targeting probes for PET-based assessment of lung fibrosis disease activity
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-10949040 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on new imaging tools to help doctors see how a serious lung disease called idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is changing in patients, so they can make better treatment decisions and improve health outcomes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Career grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2024 |
| Project end | August 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $130,293 |
| NIH project number | 1K01HL171464-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10949040 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who require monitoring of disease activity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with other forms of lung disease or those not diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a severe lung disease characterized by the buildup of extracellular matrix (ECM) that leads to lung stiffness and rapid decline in health. The project aims to create advanced molecular imaging probes for positron emission tomography (PET) that can non-invasively monitor ECM deposition and real-time disease activity in patients with IPF. By improving the assessment of disease progression, this research seeks to enhance therapeutic decision-making and patient outcomes. The principal investigator will utilize expertise in matrix biology and small animal imaging to develop these novel probes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new method for monitoring lung fibrosis, leading to better treatment strategies and improved patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using molecular imaging techniques for monitoring disease activity in other conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bernau, Ksenija — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Bernau, Ksenija
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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.