Inhaled pitavastatin as a new inhaler for asthma
Inhaled Pitavastatin for the Treatment of Asthma: A New Therapeutic Paradigm
['FUNDING_R21'] · UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS · NIH-11266196
This project is developing an inhaled form of pitavastatin to help adults with asthma breathe easier and prevent attacks.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R21'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (DAVIS, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11266196 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are creating a special inhaled formulation of the statin drug pitavastatin because oral statins do not reach the airways well. They will test this inhaled version in a rhesus macaque model that mimics human airway hyperresponsiveness to see if it reduces airway narrowing and inflammation. The work is a preclinical step to check airway delivery and safety before spending resources on early human trials. If results look promising, the team plans to move toward Phase 1 and 2 testing in people with asthma.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: In the future, adults with asthma—especially those with poorly controlled symptoms or frequent exacerbations—would be the most likely candidates for trials of this inhaled treatment.
Not a fit: Children under 18, people whose asthma is well controlled on current therapy, or those with known statin intolerance may not benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could lead to a new inhaled medication that reduces asthma symptoms and flare-ups while avoiding the limitations seen with oral statins.
How similar studies have performed: Oral statins showed benefit in animal models but produced inconclusive results in human trials due to poor airway levels, while inhaled statin delivery is a newer and largely untested approach with promising preclinical signals.
Where this research is happening
DAVIS, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS — DAVIS, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ZEKI, AMIR A. — UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA AT DAVIS
- Study coordinator: ZEKI, AMIR A.
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 below.