Targeting a protein to reduce lung injury caused by viral infections.

Inducible HMGB1 antagonist for viral-induced acute lung injury.

NIH-funded research Sigmovir Biosystems, INC. · NIH-10917056

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 typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSigmovir Biosystems, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Rockville, United States)
Project IDNIH-10917056 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: 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.

Not a fit: Patients with lung injuries not caused by viral infections or those with chronic respiratory conditions may not benefit from this research.

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 performed: 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

Rockville, United States

Researchers

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 below.
Conditions Acute Lung InjuryAcute Pulmonary InjuryAcute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 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.