NIH-funded research Sbir 2 grant

Testing a new therapy to reduce severe lung injury in patients with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome.

Official title: A Randomized Phase 2A Clinical Trial Pioneering the Utility of an eNAMPT-Reducing Therapy in ARDS/VILI: the PUERTA Trial

Funded at Aqualung Therapeutics Corp. · NIH-10925146 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) using a special antibody called ALT-100 mAb, which aims to help reduce lung inflammation and improve recovery for patients with this condition.

More ARDS research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAqualung Therapeutics Corp.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Juno Beach, UNITED STATES)
Project startJune 1, 2019
Project endAugust 31, 2025
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$957,594
NIH project number5R44HL145930-05
Project IDNIH-10925146 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, particularly those affected by conditions like COVID-19.

Less likely to help

Patients with mild respiratory issues or those not diagnosed with ARDS may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) using a humanized monoclonal antibody called ALT-100 mAb. The therapy targets a specific protein, eNAMPT, which is involved in inflammation and lung injury. By neutralizing eNAMPT, the treatment aims to reduce the severity of ARDS and improve patient outcomes. The research includes a clinical trial where patients will receive this therapy to assess its safety and effectiveness.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce mortality and improve recovery rates for patients suffering from ARDS.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting eNAMPT for reducing inflammation in ARDS, suggesting a potential for success in this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Aqualung Therapeutics Corp.
    Juno Beach, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Garcia, Joe G. N. — Aqualung Therapeutics Corp.
  • Study coordinator: Garcia, Joe G. N.

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • Coordinating ARDS, Pneumonia, and Sepsis research to improve care

    A national coordinating center helps researchers studying ARDS and related infections work together more efficiently to learn what helps patients recover.

    NIH research Vanderbilt University Medical Center · Nashville, United States · NIH-11595454

  • Lipid-gene Profiles in Septic ARDS

    A Mayo Clinic team is studying how dysfunctional HDL in sepsis relates to different ARDS patient outcomes, aiming to find features that could guide better treatment.

    NIH research Mayo Clinic Jacksonville · Jacksonville, United States · NIH-11575353

  • Improving blood vessel repair after pediatric ARDS

    Aims to better repair the lungs of children who have ARDS by delivering targeted therapy to lung blood vessels using tiny nanoparticles.

    NIH research University of Arizona · Tucson, United States · NIH-11444432

  • NOX4 links to ARDS risk and progression

    Aims to understand how NOX4-driven cell damage may make some adults with ARDS worse off and how this could lead to earlier, targeted care.

    NIH research Marquette University · Milwaukee, United States · NIH-11444021

  • Leading causes of death in alcoholic ARDS patients using clinical data

    This project uses big clinical data and AI to find the main factors that cause death in adults with ARDS who have alcohol use issues, aiming to improve understanding and care.

    NIH research Loyola University Chicago · Maywood, United States · NIH-11442761

  • Targeting aging-related blood vessel injury to prevent ARDS in older lungs

    Aims to find ways to protect lung blood vessels in older adults to prevent dangerous lung swelling (ARDS).

    NIH research Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago · Chicago, United States · NIH-11431171

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.