Understanding early disease progression in familial pulmonary fibrosis
Official title: Project 1: Mechanisms of Early Disease Progression in FPF
Funded at University of Michigan at Ann Arbor · NIH-10846186 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at family members of people with pulmonary fibrosis who don’t have any symptoms yet, to learn more about how the disease starts and to find ways to detect it early, so they can get help sooner if needed.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Michigan at Ann Arbor NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Ann Arbor, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $357,056 |
| NIH project number | 1P01HL172729-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10846186 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are asymptomatic individuals who have a first-degree relative diagnosed with familial pulmonary fibrosis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a family history of pulmonary fibrosis or who are already symptomatic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the early stages of familial pulmonary fibrosis (FPF) by studying asymptomatic relatives of patients with the condition. The team will analyze genetic and immune cell profiles to identify mechanisms that drive disease progression and develop biomarkers for early detection. Participants will undergo high-resolution CT scans and blood tests to assess lung health and immune responses. The goal is to improve understanding of the disease before symptoms appear, potentially leading to earlier interventions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier diagnosis and better management strategies for patients at risk of developing pulmonary fibrosis.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in identifying early biomarkers and mechanisms in similar cohorts, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Blackwell, Timothy S. — University of Michigan at Ann Arbor
- Study coordinator: Blackwell, Timothy S.
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.