Using a targeted imaging technique to assess lung inflammation in acute lung injury and fibrotic lung diseases
Official title: CMKLR1-Targeted Molecular Imaging of Inflammation as a Precision Medicine Tool in Acute Lung Injury and Fibrotic Lung Diseases
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10912806 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new type of PET scan that can help see and measure inflammation in the lungs, which could be really helpful for people with lung injuries or diseases like fibrosis, including those affected by COVID-19, to better understand their condition and tailor their treatments.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $608,894 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL166953-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10912806 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals suffering from acute lung injury, acute respiratory distress syndrome, or fibrotic lung diseases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with non-lung-related conditions or those not experiencing inflammation or fibrosis in the lungs may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates a new imaging method that targets a specific receptor (CMKLR1) involved in lung inflammation and fibrosis. By using a specialized PET scan, the study aims to visualize and quantify inflammation in the lungs, which could help predict disease progression and monitor treatment responses. Patients with acute lung injury or fibrotic lung diseases may benefit from this noninvasive approach, which could lead to more personalized treatment strategies. The research will also explore the relevance of this imaging technique in patients with COVID-19 and various fibrotic lung conditions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a noninvasive tool for better diagnosis and management of lung diseases, leading to improved patient outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using targeted imaging techniques for assessing inflammation in other conditions, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Tavakoli, Sina — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Tavakoli, Sina
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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.