Investigating new therapies for asthma using biased receptor signaling

Biased Muscarinic Acetylcholine Receptor Signaling in Obstructive Lung Disease Pathology and Therapy

NIH-funded research Thomas Jefferson University · NIH-11050583

This study is looking at how certain receptors in the lungs work in people with asthma, with the goal of creating new treatments that can help manage asthma symptoms better and with fewer side effects.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionThomas Jefferson University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Philadelphia, United States)
Project IDNIH-11050583 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how specific receptors in the airway smooth muscle cells behave in obstructive lung diseases like asthma. It aims to develop new therapies that target the M3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor to improve asthma management. By exploring biased agonism, the study seeks to identify ligands that can selectively activate beneficial signaling pathways, potentially leading to better control of asthma symptoms. Patients may benefit from new treatment options that are more effective and have fewer side effects than current medications.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with obstructive lung diseases, particularly asthma, who are seeking improved treatment options.

Not a fit: Patients with non-obstructive lung diseases or those who do not have asthma may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective asthma treatments that provide better symptom control and fewer side effects.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting biased signaling in GPCRs, suggesting that this approach could lead to significant advancements in asthma therapy.

Where this research is happening

Philadelphia, 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.
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.