Using mRNA technology to improve treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)

mRNA-LNPs for ARDS

['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA · NIH-11143037

This study is testing a new treatment for people with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) that uses tiny particles to deliver special instructions directly to the lungs, aiming to help them recover better than with current options.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorUNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (PHILADELPHIA, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11143037 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) using lipid nanoparticles (LNPs) that deliver modified mRNA directly to the lungs. The approach aims to enhance drug delivery to the alveoli, which are the tiny air sacs in the lungs where gas exchange occurs. By targeting specific cells in the lungs, the treatment seeks to address the underlying causes of ARDS more effectively than current therapies. Patients may benefit from a new, more effective treatment option that could improve their chances of recovery from this serious condition.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome.

Not a fit: Patients with chronic respiratory conditions or those who do not have ARDS may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a groundbreaking treatment that significantly reduces mortality rates in patients with ARDS.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of mRNA technology is relatively novel in this context, similar approaches in other areas of medicine have shown promising results.

Where this research is happening

PHILADELPHIA, 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 →

Conditions: Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome

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.