Inhalable dry-powder treatment using a natural lung lipid to fight RSV

Development of a dry powder inhalation product against Respiratory Syncytial Virus based on an endogenous anionic pulmonary surfactant lipid

['FUNDING_SBIR_2'] · CELESTIAL THERAPEUTICS INC. · NIH-11282595

An inhalable dry-powder medicine made from a natural lung surfactant lipid designed to help prevent and treat RSV in young children and older adults.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_SBIR_2']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorCELESTIAL THERAPEUTICS INC. (nih funded)
Locations1 site (IRVINE, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11282595 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project turns a naturally occurring lung lipid (POPG) into a dry powder you can inhale to target RSV in the airways. The developer will finalize a stable formulation with the right particle size for inhalation and then move into an early-phase study to check safety, dosing, and signs of antiviral effect. If you take part, you may inhale the powder and have lung checks, symptom monitoring, and viral tests. Lab and preclinical work show antiviral and anti-inflammatory activity, but human testing is just starting.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would include people at higher risk for severe RSV, such as infants, children, and adults aged 65 and older, or others exposed to acute RSV infection.

Not a fit: People without RSV risk or those unable to safely inhale a dry powder (for example, some with severe reactive airway disease or who cannot use inhaler devices) may not benefit from or be eligible for this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this inhaled lipid medicine could reduce RSV infection severity and inflammation, offering a new treatment or preventive option for infants and older adults.

How similar studies have performed: Preclinical and laboratory studies show this lipid has antiviral and anti-inflammatory effects, but using it as an inhaled dry powder for RSV in humans is a new approach not yet proven in clinical trials.

Where this research is happening

IRVINE, 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.