Inhaled nanoparticles carrying AI-optimized CFTR mRNA delivered with a new microfluidic device
Official title: Delivering inhalable nanoparticles containing AI-optimized CFTR mRNA with a novel microfluidic device for treatment of CF
Funded at Oregon State University · NIH-11378817 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Inhaled nanoparticles with AI-improved CFTR mRNA are being developed to help restore lung ion transport for people with cystic fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Corvallis, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2019 |
| Project end | April 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $579,499 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL146736-07 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378817 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be people with a confirmed diagnosis of cystic fibrosis who have measurable lung disease, can safely inhale aerosol treatments, and meet the study's health and age criteria.
✕Less likely to help
People with end-stage lung disease, severe respiratory compromise that prevents safe inhalation, or other medical exclusions may not benefit or be eligible.
What this research studies
Researchers are developing inhalable lipid nanoparticles that carry CFTR mRNA redesigned by artificial intelligence to increase protein production and mRNA lifespan. The mRNA cargo will be packaged using a novel microfluidic device intended to produce particles that reach airway cells more effectively. This work builds on earlier inhaled CFTR mRNA trials that were safe but did not produce strong clinical benefit and aims to boost efficacy while lowering dose and frequency. The approach is intended to work across all CFTR mutations, potentially offering a mutation-agnostic therapy for people with CF.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could improve CFTR function in the lungs, reduce respiratory symptoms and infections, and offer a treatment option regardless of specific CFTR mutation.
How similar studies have gone: Earlier clinical trials of inhaled CFTR mRNA-LNPs showed safety but limited clinical improvement, so this project adds AI-optimized mRNA and a new delivery device to try to improve outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon State University
Corvallis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sahay, Gaurav — Oregon State University
- Study coordinator: Sahay, Gaurav
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.