Targeting lung cells to reverse fibrosis
Official title: Localizing Therapeutics to Target Lung Myofibroblasts and Reverse Fibrosis
Funded at Proteogenomics Research Instit/sys/ Med · NIH-10999371 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new way to deliver medicine directly to the lungs to help people with lung scarring from conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, aiming to reduce the damage and promote healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Proteogenomics Research Instit/sys/ Med NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $805,845 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL175948-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10999371 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or other related lung diseases characterized by fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with lung diseases that do not involve fibrosis or those who are not diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new method to deliver antifibrotic drugs directly to lung tissue, specifically targeting myofibroblasts, which are key contributors to lung scarring in conditions like idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). The approach involves using a precision drug delivery system that can bypass barriers in the vascular endothelium, ensuring that a higher concentration of the drug reaches the affected areas in the lungs. By using unique immunotherapeutics, the goal is to block the processes that lead to fibrosis and promote healing in lung tissues. Patients may benefit from this innovative treatment if it proves effective in reversing lung scarring.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a groundbreaking treatment option that reverses lung fibrosis rather than just slowing its progression.
How similar studies have gone: While there have been advancements in targeted drug delivery systems, this specific approach to targeting myofibroblasts in lung tissue is novel and has not been extensively tested.
Where this research is happening
-
Proteogenomics Research Instit/sys/ Med
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Olenyuk, Bogdan — Proteogenomics Research Instit/sys/ Med
- Study coordinator: Olenyuk, Bogdan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Interface between immune cells and scarring in the eye
This grant looks at how immune cells influence scar formation in the cornea after injury and how this affects vision.
-
How often to treat schistosomiasis to protect the liver
A randomized trial will test different frequencies ofPraziquantel treatment to prevent liver damage in people aged 15–40 with schistosomiasis in Uganda.
-
Metabolic changes in cells that repair blood vessels in the eye lens to prevent scarring
A drug or approach that changes how certain cells that repair blood vessels in the eye work, to prevent scarring behind the retina in age-related macular degeneration patients treated with anti-VEGF therapy.
-
Myocardial fibrosis and fat in ART-treated women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
This project studies heart tissue changes in women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa who are on antiretroviral therapy, to understand why they’re at higher risk for heart problems as they age.
-
Myocardial fibrosis and fat in ART-treated women with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa
This grant studies heart tissue changes in women living with HIV in sub-Saharan Africa to understand why heart failure risk is higher in this group.
-
Molecular clues to progressive lung scarring
Researchers are studying how lung tissue becomes progressively scarred, focusing on cell signals and receptors that may drive fibrosis in people with lung disease.
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.