Using mRNA technology to improve treatment for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)
Official title: mRNA-LNPs for ARDS
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11143037 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2023 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $683,436 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HL164594-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11143037 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic respiratory conditions or those who do not have ARDS may not benefit from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Parhiz, Hamideh — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Parhiz, Hamideh
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Coordinating ARDS, Pneumonia, and Sepsis research to improve care
A national coordinating center helps researchers studying ARDS and related infections work together more efficiently to learn what helps patients recover.
-
Lipid-gene Profiles in Septic ARDS
A Mayo Clinic team is studying how dysfunctional HDL in sepsis relates to different ARDS patient outcomes, aiming to find features that could guide better treatment.
-
Improving blood vessel repair after pediatric ARDS
Aims to better repair the lungs of children who have ARDS by delivering targeted therapy to lung blood vessels using tiny nanoparticles.
-
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Aims to understand how NOX4-driven cell damage may make some adults with ARDS worse off and how this could lead to earlier, targeted care.
-
Leading causes of death in alcoholic ARDS patients using clinical data
This project uses big clinical data and AI to find the main factors that cause death in adults with ARDS who have alcohol use issues, aiming to improve understanding and care.
-
Targeting aging-related blood vessel injury to prevent ARDS in older lungs
Aims to find ways to protect lung blood vessels in older adults to prevent dangerous lung swelling (ARDS).
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.