New methods to remove bacteria from the lungs of cystic fibrosis patients
Official title: Novel Strategies to Clear Bacteria from the CF Lung
Funded at Eldec Pharmaceuticals, INC. · NIH-10680454 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at new ways to help people with cystic fibrosis clear harmful bacteria from their lungs by focusing on how certain proteins work together, with the hope of improving lung health and reducing inflammation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Eldec Pharmaceuticals, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 10, 2022 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2023 |
| Award (this year) | $977,764 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HL165964-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10680454 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with cystic fibrosis, particularly those with chronic bacterial infections and specific CFTR mutations.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without cystic fibrosis or those whose lung health is not affected by bacterial infections may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative therapies to help clear harmful bacteria from the lungs of individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF). It aims to address the limitations of existing treatments that do not effectively eliminate bacterial infections, particularly in patients with specific genetic mutations. The approach involves studying the role of a protein called SPLUNC1, which is important for lung health, and how it interacts with another protein, Orai1, to regulate inflammation in the lungs. By targeting these mechanisms, the research seeks to improve lung function and reduce inflammation in CF patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve lung health and quality of life for cystic fibrosis patients.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of targeting SPLUNC1 and Orai1 is innovative, similar strategies in other contexts have shown promise in managing inflammation and infections, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Eldec Pharmaceuticals, INC.
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ahmad, Saira — Eldec Pharmaceuticals, INC.
- Study coordinator: Ahmad, Saira
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.