# Project 4: Treatment of mucostasis and airways obstruction in asthma with a novel mucolytic

> **NIH NIH P01** · UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL · 2020 · $347,224

## Abstract

Abstract
Project 4 is focused on testing the safety of novel inhaled mucolytic compounds in persons with asthma
(specific aim 1), testing these in an allergen challenge model of acute exacerbation in mild mite allergic
asthmatics (specific aim 2), and examining the effect of such compounds on mucociliary clearance (MCC) and
lung function in moderate asthmatics on stable controller therapy over a 2-week period (specific aim 3).
Studies from our group indicate that S-S bonds are a key element in increased viscosity of mucus in asthma
and have catalyzed the study of thiol based mucolytics for asthma in this tPPG. The best candidate for this
intervention is P2176, a di-thiol mucolytic which has robust ability to degrade mucins in sputum samples from
asthmatics in vitro, has been well tolerated in animals in pre-clinical studies, and is currently in Phase I studies
of healthy volunteers. Safety studies of P2176 in asthmatics will be the major focus in years 1-2. In years 2-5,
we will begin to screen mite-allergic asthmatics for late phase responsiveness to mite allergen, and begin to
pursue aims 2 and 3. Specific Aim 2 will examine the effect of P2176 on an allergen-induced late phase
response, which we have shown is associated with increased mucus secretion and decreased MCC. Success
with SA2 would suggest a role for mucolytics in acute exacerbation of asthma. Specific Aim 3 will examine the
effect of 2 weeks daily treatment on MCC in volunteers with moderate asthma. If successful, this study would
indicate the P2176 has a role in maintenance therapy for asthma in persons with long term mucus-derived
airway obstruction.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10001602
- **Project number:** 5P01HL108808-09
- **Recipient organization:** UNIV OF NORTH CAROLINA CHAPEL HILL
- **Principal Investigator:** David B. Peden
- **Activity code:** P01 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $347,224
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2017-09-07 → 2022-06-30

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10001602

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10001602, Project 4: Treatment of mucostasis and airways obstruction in asthma with a novel mucolytic (5P01HL108808-09). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-23 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10001602. Licensed CC0.

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