New imaging scans to better understand lung scarring disease

Plain-English translation of NCT04362644 on ClinicalTrials.gov ↗ · Source last updated June 2026 · Translation generated June 2026 · How we translate trials

Phase 1 — Testing in a small group (usually 20–80 people) to find a safe dose and watch for side effects.

What is this trial?

This research study is testing whether two special imaging scans—called PET/CT scans using [18F]FDG and [18F]DPA-714—can better show inflammation and scarring in the lungs of people with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF). By comparing how these scans work, researchers hope to understand the disease better and eventually find better ways to treat it.

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a serious lung disease where the lungs become scarred and stiff, making it harder to breathe. Currently, doctors don't have a clear way to see exactly where inflammation and scarring are happening in each patient's lungs, which makes it harder to choose the right treatment. This study could help change that.

Do you qualify?

You likely qualify if…

you are between 40 and 85 years old
you have been diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis within the past 5 years and meet standard diagnostic criteria
you are able and willing to give informed consent and follow the study requirements
you have a specific genetic marker (based on a genotype test) that makes you suitable for this imaging study
your lung function test results fall within a certain range

You likely don't qualify if…

you have had an acute flare-up or worsening of your IPF in the last 30 days
you have been diagnosed with diabetes (Type 1 or Type 2)
you currently have an active infection
you are currently smoking cigarettes or using vaping products
you have had prior radiation therapy to your chest, active cancer, severe heart disease in the past 12 weeks, or known liver disease

What participation looks like

You would come for specialized imaging appointments where you receive two types of PET/CT scans that use safe, radioactive tracers to light up inflammation and scarring in your lungs. The scans themselves are painless and non-invasive—you simply lie still while the machine takes pictures. The study involves a small number of participants (about 10 total) and is designed to be a one-time or limited visit study to gather this imaging information.

AI-generated summary from trial data · Jun 3, 2026 · Not medical advice

Trial locations(1 site)

United States

The University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama