Using peptides to treat lung fibrosis
Official title: Peptides for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis
Funded at Medical University of South Carolina · NIH-10990625 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment using special proteins from collagen to help people with severe lung scarring caused by pulmonary fibrosis, hoping to improve their lung function and overall health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Medical University of South Carolina NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charleston, United States) |
| Project start | August 21, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $464,121 |
| NIH project number | 1R33HL175682-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10990625 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, particularly those with end-stage disease who may be considering lung transplantation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with early-stage pulmonary fibrosis or those whose condition is not primarily fibrotic may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of peptides derived from collagen XVIII to treat pulmonary fibrosis, a serious condition that leads to lung scarring and failure. The approach focuses on the anti-fibrotic effects of these peptides, which have shown promise in pre-clinical models. By testing these peptides in patients with severe lung fibrosis, the research aims to provide a new therapeutic option that could potentially improve outcomes for those who currently have limited treatment options. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of these peptides in reducing fibrosis and improving lung function.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option for patients suffering from pulmonary fibrosis, potentially improving their quality of life and survival rates.
How similar studies have gone: While the use of peptides for treating fibrosis is a novel approach, there have been successful applications of peptide therapies in other fibrotic conditions, suggesting potential for success in this area as well.
Where this research is happening
-
Medical University of South Carolina
Charleston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Feghali-Bostwick, Carol a. — Medical University of South Carolina
- Study coordinator: Feghali-Bostwick, Carol a.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Molecular clues to progressive lung scarring
Researchers are studying how lung tissue becomes progressively scarred, focusing on cell signals and receptors that may drive fibrosis in people with lung disease.
-
Alveolar Cell Dysfunction in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Using SFTPC Mutations to Find New Targets
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Iron and scar-forming cells in the lungs (IPF)
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Repurposing Pyrvinium as an Inhaled Therapy for Idiopathic Pulmonary Fibrosis
A patient-friendly look at a project trying to use an existing drug, pyrvinium, as an inhaled treatment option for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
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Screening new compounds to reverse gene signatures in IPF lungs
A researcher hopes to find compounds that reverse harmful gene changes in the lungs of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF).
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Role of lactate transporters in lung scarring
Aims to see if blocking lactate transporters can slow or stop scar-forming cells from thickening the lungs in people with fibrotic lung disease.
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.