Investigating a natural compound to improve mucus clearance in cystic fibrosis
Official title: A Ginsenoside TMEM16A Potentiator for Cystic Fibrosis
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-10769879 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how a natural compound from Korean Red Ginseng might help improve mucus clearance in people with cystic fibrosis by boosting the function of a specific channel in the lungs, and it aims to find out which type of this compound works best.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | January 26, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $181,913 |
| NIH project number | 5R21AT012234-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10769879 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cystic fibrosis who experience difficulties with mucus clearance.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cystic fibrosis or those whose condition is not related to mucus clearance issues may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the potential of ginsenosides, derived from Korean Red Ginseng, to enhance the function of a specific chloride channel (TMEM16A) that plays a role in mucus clearance in patients with cystic fibrosis. The study aims to identify the most effective ginsenoside and evaluate its impact on mucus transport and pathology in laboratory models. By using advanced techniques such as Ussing chamber and patch clamp experiments, researchers will assess how this compound can improve airway function and reduce mucus buildup in cystic fibrosis patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve mucus clearance and respiratory function in cystic fibrosis patients.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been challenges with TMEM16A activators in clinical trials, the approach of potentiating this channel with ginsenosides is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Woodworth, Bradford Alan — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Woodworth, Bradford Alan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Blocking CFTR in the cervix to prevent conception without hormones
A non-hormonal approach aims to stop sperm from entering the uterus by making cervical mucus too thick for sperm, potentially offering a new contraception option.
-
Optimizing Treatments for People with Cystic Fibrosis on Highly Effective Modulator Therapy
A real-world study in people with cystic fibrosis on highly effective CFTR modulator therapy to understand how traditional CF treatments can be adjusted safely.
-
Elastin-like particles to deliver gene therapies for cystic fibrosis
A new nanoparticle system is being developed to deliver genetic therapies directly to the lungs of people with cystic fibrosis, including those with nonsense mutations.
-
Pharmacogenomic Predictors of Clinical Responses in Cystic Fibrosis using Targeted WGS
A study looking at how genetic information from whole-genome sequencing can predict how people with cystic fibrosis respond to medications, using a focused set of pharmacogenomic genes.
-
Ceftaroline-meropenem combo to beat MRSA in cystic fibrosis
A new combination antibiotic approach is being tested to help people with cystic fibrosis who have MRSA infections that resist standard treatments.
-
Gut microbiome in cystic fibrosis and colorectal cancer risk
Researchers are studying how the gut bacteria in adults with cystic fibrosis influence the development of colorectal cancer.
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.