Developing treatments for lung injury caused by chlorine exposure
Official title: Medical countermeasures to chlorine exposure based on GABA(A) receptor targeting
Funded at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee · NIH-11093808 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for new ways to help people who have lung injuries from breathing in chlorine, by testing special treatments that can reduce lung inflammation and tightness, and it’s designed for those who might be exposed to chlorine in emergencies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin Milwaukee NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Milwaukee, United States) |
| Project start | June 11, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $226,464 |
| NIH project number | 1R21ES037250-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11093808 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have been exposed to chlorine and are experiencing acute lung injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic lung conditions unrelated to chlorine exposure may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on finding effective treatments for acute lung injury resulting from chlorine inhalation. It aims to test specific compounds that target GABA(A) receptors, which may help reduce inflammation and bronchospasm in the lungs. The approach involves administering these compounds either through inhalation or injection, specifically designed to act on lung tissues without affecting the brain. The ultimate goal is to gain FDA approval for these treatments as medical countermeasures in emergency situations involving chlorine exposure.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for patients suffering from lung injuries due to chlorine exposure.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific approach of using GABA(A) receptor modulators for chlorine exposure is novel, similar strategies targeting lung inflammation have shown promise in other contexts.
Where this research is happening
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University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Milwaukee, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Arnold, Alexander — University of Wisconsin Milwaukee
- Study coordinator: Arnold, Alexander
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.