Using patient-specific cells to understand and treat pulmonary fibrosis

Patient-specific iPSCs to model and treat the inception of pulmonary fibrosis

['FUNDING_P01'] · BOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS · NIH-11046624

This study is looking at idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) to understand how certain lung cells behave poorly and how things like cigarette smoke might make it worse, with the hope of finding new treatments to help people with this serious lung disease.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_P01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorBOSTON UNIVERSITY MEDICAL CAMPUS (nih funded)
Locations1 site (BOSTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11046624 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a severe lung disease that leads to progressive scarring and can be fatal within a few years. By utilizing patient-specific induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), the study aims to model the disease and investigate the role of dysfunctional alveolar epithelial cells in its progression. The researchers will explore how environmental factors, like cigarette smoke, contribute to cell dysfunction and whether these effects can be reversed. This approach seeks to provide insights that could lead to new therapies for IPF.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis or those at risk due to environmental exposures.

Not a fit: Patients with other forms of lung disease unrelated to pulmonary fibrosis may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve outcomes for patients with pulmonary fibrosis.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research using patient-specific cells has shown promise in understanding and treating various diseases, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

BOSTON, 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.