Testing a new inhaled treatment for severe breathing failure

This early-stage trial is testing a new medication called recombinant human keratinocyte growth factor-2 (rhKGF-2), which is inhaled directly into the lungs through a small tube. The study will give different doses of this medication to patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome—a life-threatening condition where the lungs fill with fluid and cannot deliver enough oxygen to the body. Researchers want to see if the medication is safe, well-tolerated, and effective at helping people recover.

Acute respiratory distress syndrome is a serious condition with high death rates, and current treatments focus mainly on supporting breathing with machines rather than healing the underlying lung damage. This medication is designed to repair and regrow lung tissue, which could help patients recover more completely.