NIH-funded research Sbir 2 grant

Using a new treatment to fight lung infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa in patients with bronchiectasis

Official title: Nebulized ALX1 as a treatment for Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections in bronchiectasis patients

Funded at Vast Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11065101 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new inhalable treatment for people with bronchiectasis who have tough lung infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, aiming to help them breathe better and reduce infections.

More Bronchiectasis research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVast Therapeutics, INC.
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Morrisville, UNITED STATES)
Project startDecember 20, 2024
Project endNovember 30, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$1,000,000
NIH project number1R44AI184225-01A1
Project IDNIH-11065101 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are patients diagnosed with bronchiectasis who are experiencing recurrent infections caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa.

Less likely to help

Patients who do not have bronchiectasis or are not infected with Pseudomonas aeruginosa may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel treatment for bronchiectasis patients suffering from Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections, which are known to cause severe respiratory issues. The approach involves using a nitric oxide-releasing prodrug that can be inhaled, allowing for targeted delivery of this antibacterial agent directly to the lungs. By addressing the challenges of antibiotic resistance and biofilm formation, this treatment aims to improve patient outcomes and reduce the frequency of infections. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this new therapy in preclinical models before moving to clinical trials.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new, effective treatment option for patients with chronic lung infections, potentially reducing morbidity and mortality associated with bronchiectasis.

How similar studies have gone: Preliminary studies have shown promise in using nitric oxide for treating bacterial infections, indicating potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

  • Vast Therapeutics, INC.
    Morrisville, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Stasko, Nathan Allan — Vast Therapeutics, INC.
  • Study coordinator: Stasko, Nathan Allan

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

  • A unifying mucus-driven paradigm for bronchiectasis in adults

    A researchers-led program aims to better understand why bronchiectasis causes chronic cough and lung problems in adults and to explore new ways to treat it.

    NIH research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · Chapel Hill, United States · NIH-11442862

  • Bronchiectasis and COPD in Smokers: AI CT Tools and Proteomics to Predict Progression

    This project uses AI-powered CT imaging and proteomics to understand how bronchiectasis progresses in adults who smoke and have COPD, with the goal of identifying who is at higher risk for worsening lung disease.

    NIH research Brigham and Women's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11296938

  • Nebulized NO-releasing therapy for Pseudomonas infections in bronchiectasis

    A new inhaled nitric oxide–releasing treatment is being tested to help people with bronchiectasis who have lung infections from Pseudomonas bacteria.

    NIH research Vast Therapeutics, INC. · Morrisville, UNITED STATES · NIH-11250047

  • Understanding how bronchiectasis progresses in smokers

    This study is looking at how bronchiectasis gets worse over time in people who smoke, using smart imaging technology to find signs that could help predict changes in their lung health, with the goal of improving care for those dealing with this condition and COPD.

    NIH research Brigham and Women's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11086752

  • Chronic Respiratory Disease Participant Engagement

    This study tests whether adults with long-term lung conditions can get comfortable with a clinical trials unit and research team before joining future trials.

    Recruiting Richmond Pharmacology Limited · London · NCT07924462

  • Breathlessness in respiratory diseases: who feels it and why

    This study tests how physiology, psychology, function, and breathing patterns relate to breathlessness in people with respiratory conditions compared with healthy controls.

    Recruiting University Hospitals, Leicester · Leicester, Leicestershire · NCT07648082

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.