GABA-A receptor meds to treat chlorine-caused lung injury
Official title: Medical countermeasures to chlorine exposure based on GABA(A) receptor targeting
Funded at University of Wisconsin Milwaukee · NIH-11349614 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to test inhaled and injected GABA-A receptor–targeting medicines to reduce lung damage from chlorine exposure in people who might suffer acute lung injury.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $190,232 |
| NIH project number | 5R21ES037250-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11349614 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals at risk of chlorine exposure or with acute lung injury from chlorine could be candidates in future clinical work or related studies.
✕Less likely to help
People without chlorine-related lung injury or those who do not meet trial criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project looks at whether medicines that activate GABA-A receptors in peripheral tissues can lessen inflammation and bronchospasm after chlorine inhalation. The approach uses inhaled and injected GABA-A ligands that do not enter the brain, targeting the lungs to help patients recover faster. The work builds on prior safety data in animals and seeks to move toward an FDA-approved countermeasure for chlorine exposure. It focuses on practical use during chemical emergencies when hospital resources may be limited.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, it could provide a new treatment to lessen lung injury after chlorine exposure, potentially saving lives and reducing hospital burden.
How similar studies have gone: Past studies in animals have shown reduced lung inflammation with GABA-A modulators, but human data are needed to confirm benefit.
Where this research is happening
-
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.