Nebulized STAT3 inhibitor for severe asthma in adults and children
Official title: Nebulized azetidine-based transcription factor inhibitor loaded nanoproduct for severe asthma
Funded at Mercer University Macon · NIH-11361259 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new inhaled therapy aims to calm overactive airway inflammation in people with severe asthma by delivering a STAT3-inhibiting compound directly to lung cells.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R15 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Mercer University Macon NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Macon, United States) |
| Project start | July 15, 2026 |
| Project end | March 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $586,359 |
| NIH project number | 1R15HL181635-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11361259 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals diagnosed with severe asthma, including adults and children with persistent symptoms despite standard treatments.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with asthma controlled well by existing therapies or with contraindications to inhaled lipid-based formulations may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a inhalable nanoliposome formulation that carries a STAT3 inhibitor to airway cells involved in asthma. The goal is to reach immune and epithelial cells in the lungs and release the medication in response to the cellular environment, potentially reducing severe symptoms. The work is designed to be delivered at home via nebulization, making treatment convenient for patients who struggle with current therapies. If successful, it could offer a new option for those who respond poorly to steroids or have steroid-related side effects.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with severe asthma could experience better symptom control and fewer steroid-related side effects through a new inhaled therapy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous preclinical work suggests targeting STAT3 could reduce asthma-related inflammation, but this exact inhaled delivery approach is novel and early-stage.
Where this research is happening
-
Mercer University Macon
Macon, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chougule, Mahavir B — Mercer University Macon
- Study coordinator: Chougule, Mahavir B
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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.