Targeting a protein to reduce lung injury caused by viral infections.
Official title: Inducible HMGB1 antagonist for viral-induced acute lung injury.
Funded at Sigmovir Biosystems, INC. · NIH-10917056 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment to help people with serious lung problems caused by viral infections, like COVID-19, by blocking a specific protein that makes inflammation worse, and it's being tested in models that act like human conditions.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sigmovir Biosystems, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Rockville, United States) |
| Project start | August 16, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $488,080 |
| NIH project number | 5R41HL167254-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10917056 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are patients experiencing severe respiratory distress or acute lung injury due to viral infections, including those hospitalized with COVID-19.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung injuries not caused by viral infections or those with chronic respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a treatment to reduce acute lung injury and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) caused by viral infections, particularly those related to the novel coronavirus. The team has identified a specific protein, High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1), that plays a critical role in the inflammatory response during these infections. By using antagonists that block HMGB1 and other related pathways, the researchers aim to mitigate the severe lung damage seen in patients. The approach involves preclinical testing to evaluate the effectiveness of these treatments in models that mimic human disease.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve outcomes for patients suffering from severe lung injuries due to viral infections.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promising results using similar approaches to target inflammatory pathways in acute lung injury, indicating potential for success in this area.
Where this research is happening
-
Sigmovir Biosystems, INC.
Rockville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blanco, Jorge C — Sigmovir Biosystems, INC.
- Study coordinator: Blanco, Jorge C
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.