Using existing drugs to create a new inhaled treatment for lung scarring
Official title: Repurposing of FDA-approved Nrf2 Activators as a Novel Inhaled Therapy for Pulmonary Fibrosis
Funded at Fibronox, L.l.c. · NIH-10922253 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new inhaled treatment using existing medications to help improve lung function in people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) by boosting the body's natural defenses against damage, especially as we age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Fibronox, L.l.c. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 14, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $286,739 |
| NIH project number | 1R41HL174346-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10922253 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are older adults diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis who may benefit from enhanced antioxidant therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with pulmonary fibrosis not related to aging or those who do not respond to Nrf2 activators may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of repurposing FDA-approved Nrf2 activators as a novel inhaled therapy for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a severe lung disease characterized by progressive scarring. The approach focuses on understanding how aging affects the body's antioxidant responses and how this contributes to lung fibrosis. By targeting the Nrf2 pathway, the research aims to enhance the body's ability to combat oxidative stress and improve lung function in patients with IPF. The study will involve preclinical models to evaluate the effectiveness of this new inhaled therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a more effective treatment option for patients suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, potentially improving their lung function and quality of life.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of repurposing Nrf2 activators is innovative, similar strategies targeting oxidative stress in fibrotic diseases have shown promise in preliminary studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Fibronox, L.l.c.
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Hecker, Louise — Fibronox, L.l.c.
- Study coordinator: Hecker, Louise
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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.