NIH-funded research Sbir 2 grant

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 typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionEldec Pharmaceuticals, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Durham, UNITED STATES)
Project startAugust 10, 2022
Project endJuly 31, 2025
Funding year2023
Award (this year)$977,764
NIH project number5R44HL165964-02
Project IDNIH-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

  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.