Synthetic somatostatin analogs may help protect lung function.
Official title: Synthetic Somatostatin Analogs Protect Against Endothelial Barrier Dysfunction
Funded at University of Louisiana at Monroe · NIH-11094127 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how certain approved medications, called somatostatin analogs, might help protect lung cells from damage that can lead to serious breathing problems, especially in critically ill patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Louisiana at Monroe NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Monroe, United States) |
| Project start | May 23, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $72,500 |
| NIH project number | 5R03AI176433-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11094127 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include patients with conditions that lead to endothelial barrier dysfunction, such as ARDS or acute lung injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with stable lung function and no history of acute lung injury may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how synthetic somatostatin analogs (SSAs), which are already FDA-approved for treating acromegaly and certain tumors, can protect against endothelial barrier dysfunction (EBD) that leads to serious lung injuries like acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). The study will use human lung cells to examine the effects of SSAs on cell permeability, injury, and inflammation after exposure to harmful substances. If successful, this research could pave the way for new treatments targeting EBD in critically ill patients.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic options for patients suffering from acute lung injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of SSAs for EBD is a novel approach, preliminary observations suggest potential success in similar contexts.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Louisiana at Monroe
Monroe, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Barabutis, Nektarios — University of Louisiana at Monroe
- Study coordinator: Barabutis, Nektarios
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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.