International Team Develops Inhaled RNA Therapy for Severe Lung Infections
A new inhaled RNA-based therapy, designed to reduce dangerous inflammation and fluid build-up in the lungs caused by severe infections, is advancing toward clinical trials. The treatment has shown promising results in preclinical studies against conditions like pneumonia, influenza, and pulmonary fibrosis.
The Collaboration & Therapeutic Target
A research team from Nanyang Technological University (NTU) Singapore, the Southern University of Science and Technology (SUSTech) in China, and the Swedish biotech firm Lipigon Pharmaceuticals AB is behind the development.
The therapy is an RNA-based compound formulated for direct inhalation into the lungs, concentrating its effects locally.
It specifically targets the protein Angiopoietin-like protein 4 (ANGPTL4), which is associated with increased vascular permeability and tissue scarring (fibrosis) during inflammatory stress in the lungs.
Preclinical Research Findings
In studies led by NTU and SUSTech, the inhaled treatment was tested in lab models of several severe lung conditions:
- In models of bacterial pneumonia and viral influenza, the treatment was reported to reduce lung inflammation and fluid build-up.
- In a model of pulmonary fibrosis, it was reported to reduce lung scarring and improve breathing function.
- Early safety data indicated the treatment largely remained in the lungs after inhalation, with minimal distribution to other organs.
Development Status & Next Steps
The research program, ongoing for nearly a decade, is now entering two critical phases:
- Non-human primate evaluation.
- Investigational New Drug (IND)-enabling development—the studies required to seek regulatory approval for human trials.
The partners have filed a joint patent for the inhaled therapeutic platform. Lipigon provided the RNA compound and is involved in translational development.
Researcher Perspectives
Assistant Professor Li Liang (SUSTech), a co-leader, emphasized the precision of the approach:
"Our approach focuses on precise modulation of a defined molecular target to preserve lung integrity while maintaining essential immune defence."
Associate Professor Andrew Tan (NTU Singapore), the other co-leader, highlighted the long-term vision:
"This research lays the foundation for RNA-based treatments for lung diseases and supports Singapore's efforts to strengthen its capabilities in RNA medicine."
Johan Liwing, CEO of Lipigon, noted the potential: "The preclinical data add to evidence supporting RNA-based therapies for severe pulmonary diseases. We aim to advance this therapy into clinical evaluation."
Independent Expert Commentary
Professor David Lye, Senior Consultant at Singapore's National Centre for Infectious Diseases, provided context on current treatments. He noted that while corticosteroids help in severe COVID-19 pneumonia, evidence for their use in bacterial pneumonia and influenza is less convincing.
"Any new, clinically proven therapy to reduce lung inflammation from infection would be positive news for improving survival in severe pneumonia," he stated.
Dr. Li Guobao, Head of Pulmonary Disease at Shenzhen Third People's Hospital, commented on the delivery method:
The inhaled approach could offer a "targeted, patient-friendly treatment option with a potentially good safety profile" due to its localized action.
The Global Health Challenge
This research addresses a major worldwide health burden. Cited data includes:
- The WHO estimates seasonal influenza causes up to a billion annual cases, with millions of serious cases and hundreds of thousands of respiratory deaths.
- Pneumonia and other lower respiratory infections are leading causes of death globally.
- In Singapore, pneumonia is a leading cause of death, resulting in over 10,000 hospital admissions yearly.
- Prior to COVID-19, lower respiratory infections caused an estimated 190,000–220,000 deaths annually in China and 2,000–3,000 deaths annually in Sweden.
The collaborating teams are now conducting further studies to meet regulatory requirements. If successfully developed, this inhaled RNA therapy could become a new option to limit lung injury and improve recovery for patients with severe respiratory infections.