NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Lipid anti-Inflammatory Mediators in Asthma for Obese Individuals

Official title: LIMA: Lipid anti-Inflammatory Mediators in Asthma to reduce airway hyperresponsiveness in obese asthmatics

Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11394482 · Data updated 2026-11-12

A study testing a novel lipid-based drug, CXA-10, to help adults with obesity-related asthma breathe better and control their symptoms.

More Asthma research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Colorado Denver
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES)
Project startMay 1, 2022
Project endApril 30, 2027
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$757,092
NIH project number5R33HL157069-05
Project IDNIH-11394482 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Adults with obesity-associated, late-onset asthma who have not achieved adequate control with conventional therapies.

Less likely to help

Individuals without obesity-related asthma or those who do not exhibit airway hyperresponsiveness may not benefit from this drug.

What this research studies

This project will test a new drug called CXA-10, a synthetic molecule inspired by natural anti-inflammatory lipids, in people whose obesity worsens asthma. Researchers will look at lung function (pre-bronchodilator FEV1), asthma symptoms, and airway responsiveness to see if the drug can reduce inflammation and improve control. The study builds on earlier animal work showing anti-inflammatory effects and aims to translate those findings to humans with late-onset, obesity-associated asthma. It involves a Phase 2 evaluation to understand pharmacology and therapeutic impact in this specific patient group.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, CXA-10 could reduce airway inflammation and improve asthma control in obese adults who respond poorly to standard therapies.

How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies in obesity-related airway disease showed anti-inflammatory effects and improved airway function, supporting progression to human trials.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Colorado Denver
    Aurora, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Holguin, Fernando — University of Colorado Denver
  • Study coordinator: Holguin, Fernando

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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  • Investigating how innate lymphocytes affect asthma in obese individuals

    This study is looking at how being overweight might make asthma worse, especially in women, by exploring the role of certain immune cells in the body, using a special mouse model that reflects the health issues seen in people; the goal is to find better ways to treat asthma for those who are obese.

    NIH research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · Cincinnati, United States · NIH-11005388

  • Investigating the role of specific immune cells in asthma related to obesity

    This study is looking at how being overweight can make asthma worse in women by comparing the immune responses in heavier and lighter mice with asthma, hoping to find new ways to help treat asthma flare-ups related to obesity.

    NIH research Cincinnati Childrens Hosp Med Ctr · Cincinnati, United States · NIH-11002342

  • Using metformin to help manage asthma in overweight and obese individuals

    This study is looking at whether metformin, a diabetes medication, can help improve asthma symptoms in overweight and obese people, and it will involve a six-month trial where some participants will take the medication while others will take a placebo, all while making it easy for people to join from home.

    NIH research Johns Hopkins University · Baltimore, United States · NIH-10930872

  • Investigating how mitochondrial dysfunction affects airway inflammation in obese asthma

    This study is looking at how problems with tiny energy factories in our cells, called mitochondria, can make asthma worse for people who are both obese and have asthma, and it hopes to find new ways to help them breathe better.

    NIH research National Jewish Health · Denver, United States · NIH-10898829

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.