Nebulized ALX1: a new inhaled antimicrobial for tough lung infections
Official title: Nebulized ALX1 as a Treatment for Difficult Non-tuberculous Mycobacterial Lung Infections
Funded at Vast Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11411324 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new inhaled medicine called ALX1 is being tested to help people with hard-to-treat non-tuberculous mycobacterial (NTM) lung infections by delivering nitric oxide directly into the lungs.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Vast Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Morrisville, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 11, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $950,129 |
| NIH project number | 5R44AI186617-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11411324 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with diagnosed NTM pulmonary disease, especially those with bronchiectasis and prior antibiotic treatment failure.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without NTM-PD or those with conditions making inhaled NO unsuitable may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a water-soluble NO-releasing prodrug, ALX1, that can be nebulized and inhaled to target lung infections from NTM, including patients with bronchiectasis. The study builds on preclinical tests showing ALX1 can reach the lungs and combat bacteria without strong off-target effects. It will examine how well this approach works in delivering NO locally, reducing bacterial burden, and supporting better lung function while monitoring safety. Participants would potentially include individuals with NTM-PD who have limited response to standard antibiotics, with careful oversight for adverse events.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this inhaled therapy could improve infection clearance and lung health for people with stubborn NTM lung infections.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical studies have shown promise, but further human data is needed to confirm benefit in patients.
Where this research is happening
-
Vast Therapeutics, INC.
Morrisville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Stasko, Nathan Allan — Vast Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Stasko, Nathan Allan
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.