Inhaled live probiotic therapy for influenza infection
Official title: An Inhaled Live Biotherapeutic for Influenza Viral Infection
Funded at Alveolus Bio, INC. · NIH-11314239 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new inhaled probiotic treatment is being studied to help people with influenza-related respiratory illness by using live bacteria to modulate lung inflammation and viral effects.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Alveolus Bio, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 11, 2026 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $273,123 |
| NIH project number | 1R43AI191900-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11314239 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with or at risk for influenza-related respiratory complications and those interested in participating in early-phase preclinical research tied to future human trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with influenza who do not develop significant airway inflammation or who are not eligible for early-stage preclinical studies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
Alveolus Bio is developing AB3000, an inhaled live biotherapeutic made from Lactobacillus strains, aimed at reducing inflammation and viral markers in influenza A infection. The project uses 3-D airway cell models and organoids to explore how the live bacteria and their products interact with the virus and affect airway cell structure. It also tests the treatment’s effectiveness in a mouse model of influenza to understand potential benefits and safety. The overall goal is to uncover mechanistic insights and preclinical proof of concept for an inhaled probiotic therapy in respiratory viral disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could help reduce inflammation and viral impact in influenza, potentially improving outcomes for patients at risk of severe respiratory illness.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies in animal and cell models have suggested that Lactobacillus-based approaches can modulate inflammation and viral responses, but human data are not yet established.
Where this research is happening
-
Alveolus Bio, INC.
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nicola, Teodora — Alveolus Bio, INC.
- Study coordinator: Nicola, Teodora
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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.