Inhaled treatment for chronic lung disease in infants
Official title: Pilot Study of an Inhaled Treatment for Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia
Funded at Case Western Reserve University · NIH-10455406 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how inhaling ethyl nitrite might help improve lung function and oxygen levels in premature babies with bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a serious lung condition, by making their lungs work better.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Case Western Reserve University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2021 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2022 |
| Award (this year) | $68,244 |
| NIH project number | 5R03HL155246-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10455406 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants diagnosed with bronchopulmonary dysplasia who are experiencing hypoxic respiratory failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or do not have a diagnosis of bronchopulmonary dysplasia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of inhaled ethyl nitrite as a treatment for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a serious lung condition affecting premature infants. The study aims to improve oxygen levels and reduce respiratory complications by increasing levels of a beneficial compound in the lungs. By administering this treatment, researchers hope to reverse bronchospasm and improve overall lung function in affected infants. The approach is based on previous findings that show promise in animal models and aims to translate these results into clinical practice for newborns.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve respiratory health and quality of life for infants suffering from bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown success with inhaled treatments for pulmonary conditions, making this approach promising yet still novel for BPD.
Where this research is happening
-
Case Western Reserve University
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Raffay, Thomas Michael — Case Western Reserve University
- Study coordinator: Raffay, Thomas Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Role of uneven lung growth in chronic lung disease from birth to adulthood
This grant explores how mismatched growth of airways, airspaces, and blood vessels during early life might lead to lasting lung problems in bronchopulmonary dysplasia and how that affects people over time.
-
Regulatory T Cells and Lung Disease-Related High Blood Pressure in Adults
This project studies how a type of immune cell called regulatory T cells may influence inflammation and blood vessel changes in lung disease, with potential relevance to adults who have vascular issues in their lungs.
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Understanding how breathing effort in premature babies with lung disease comes from different lung problems
A research project aims to create a patient-specific tool to measure how different features of bronchopulmonary dysplasia contribute to the struggle to breathe in premature infants.
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Role of LKB1 in reduced lung blood vessel growth in BPD
Aims to understand how a cellular regulator (LKB1) affects blood vessel formation in the lungs of preterm infants at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
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A new approach to prevent bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants
A new treatment strategy aimed at improving lung development in premature babies at risk for bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
-
L-Citrulline for BPD-related Pulmonary Hypertension in Preterm Babies
A first-in-human study will test safe and effective doses of L-citrulline given by mouth to stability-preterm infants at risk for lung blood pressure problems.
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.