Inhaling on‑demand nitric oxide through high‑flow nasal oxygen

Electrochemically Generated Inhaled Nitric Oxide (iNO) delivery via High Flow Nasal Cannula (HFNC)

NIH-funded research University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-11324195

A new on‑demand device makes inhaled nitric oxide that is given through high‑flow nasal oxygen to adults with severe lung infections or ARDS to help their oxygen levels and potentially avoid ventilators.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Ann Arbor, United States)
Project IDNIH-11324195 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

You would receive inhaled nitric oxide produced on demand from a safe salt solution and delivered through a high‑flow nasal cannula. The team will measure how much nitric oxide reaches the deep lung with this approach compared with low‑flow nasal delivery and track breathing and oxygen levels. The device is designed to be safer and much less expensive than current cylinder‑based nitric oxide systems. Adults with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure from ARDS or severe respiratory infections treated at the study center are expected to be enrolled.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Adults (21+) with acute hypoxemic respiratory failure from ARDS or severe respiratory infections who are receiving high‑flow nasal oxygen would be the ideal candidates.

Not a fit: People who are already intubated and mechanically ventilated, children, or patients with known contraindications to inhaled nitric oxide (for example severe methemoglobinemia) may not benefit from this approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this could raise oxygen levels, reduce the need for mechanical ventilation, and make inhaled nitric oxide therapy more affordable and accessible.

How similar studies have performed: Inhaled nitric oxide has been used in ICUs to improve oxygenation and has antiseptic properties, but delivering it noninvasively via high‑flow nasal cannula using on‑demand electrochemical generation is a novel approach not yet widely proven.

Where this research is happening

Ann Arbor, 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.
Conditions Acute Respiratory Distress SyndromeAdult Respiratory Distress SyndromeAirway infectionsBacterial Infections
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.