mRNA-LNPs to treat ARDS in adults
Official title: mRNA-LNPs for ARDS
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11348201 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A patient-facing program exploring whether tiny, targeted mRNA-delivery particles can reduce lung injury and improve outcomes for adults with ARDS.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $679,894 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164594-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11348201 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with ARDS or acute respiratory distress syndrome who meet trial criteria.
✕Less likely to help
People without ARDS or with conditions not matching the trial criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses specially designed nanolipids to deliver modified mRNA directly to cells in the lungs, aiming to strengthen the lung barrier and reduce damage in ARDS. The researchers plan to attach targeting molecules so these particles reach the cells most involved in ARDS. The approach builds on years of ARDS research and combines advanced delivery with mRNA therapy to provoke protective protein production for about two days per dose. If successful, this could open a new way to treat ARDS beyond traditional drugs.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with ARDS could have better survival and fewer complications due to improved lung function.
How similar studies have gone: Related nanotechnology and mRNA delivery approaches have shown promise in preclinical ARDS models and early-stage research.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parhiz, Hamideh — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Parhiz, Hamideh
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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.