Targeted nanoparticle therapy for lung fibrosis
Official title: A Multifunctional Nanoparticle Platform for Galectin-3 Targeted Pulmonary Fibrosis Therapy
Funded at Texas Engineering Experiment Station · NIH-11448075 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A researcher team is testing inhaled nanoparticles that deliver medicine directly to the lungs to slow or stop scarring in people with pulmonary fibrosis.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Texas Engineering Experiment Station NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (College Station, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $405,966 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL182828-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11448075 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with pulmonary fibrosis or related lung scarring conditions who could participate in future translational or clinical studies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without pulmonary fibrosis or those unable to participate in inhalation-based therapy might not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to develop inhalable nanoparticles that carry anti-fibrotic drugs and specifically inhibit Galectin-3, a key driver of lung scarring. The approach combines targeted drug delivery with co-delivery of an ECM-modulating component to improve lung penetration and residence time. The study will compare nanoparticle-delivered therapy to conventional treatment in terms of reducing fibrosis markers and improving lung tissue outcomes. The work builds on prior evidence that lung-targeted nanoparticles can reach deep lung tissue and alter fibrotic pathways. If successful, it could lead to more effective, lower-dose therapies with fewer systemic side effects for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with pulmonary fibrosis could benefit from more effective and targeted therapy with fewer side effects and better lung function.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research showed nanoparticles can reach deep lung tissue and modulate fibrotic pathways, supporting potential effectiveness.
Where this research is happening
-
Texas Engineering Experiment Station
College Station, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Menon, Jyothi Unnikrishna — Texas Engineering Experiment Station
- Study coordinator: Menon, Jyothi Unnikrishna
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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.