Using low oxygen therapy to improve mitochondrial function

A Translatable Form of Hypoxia Therapy for Impaired Mitochondrial Proteostasis

['FUNDING_OTHER'] · J. DAVID GLADSTONE INSTITUTES · NIH-11170840

This study is looking at how breathing in low oxygen, like what you’d experience at high altitudes, might help people with mitochondrial diseases that make it hard for their cells to produce energy, and they’re testing this with healthy volunteers to see how it could work for those with these conditions.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_OTHER']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorJ. DAVID GLADSTONE INSTITUTES (nih funded)
Locations1 site (SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11170840 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research investigates how controlled breathing of low oxygen, mimicking high-altitude conditions, can help treat mitochondrial diseases that affect energy production in cells. The study builds on previous findings that this therapy can prevent neurological damage and improve health outcomes in animal models. By conducting a clinical trial with healthy volunteers, the researchers aim to understand how this therapy can be applied to various mitochondrial disorders and explore the underlying biological mechanisms involved.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals with mitochondrial diseases or conditions related to mitochondrial dysfunction.

Not a fit: Patients with non-mitochondrial related disorders or those who do not have any mitochondrial dysfunction may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapeutic strategies for patients with mitochondrial diseases, potentially improving their quality of life and health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promising results with hypoxia therapy in animal models, indicating potential for success in human applications.

Where this research is happening

SAN FRANCISCO, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.