ATS Offering Total of $150K for Research Into IPF, Asthma, COPD

The American Thoracic Society (ATS) Research Program and 4DMedical are offering three one-year, $50,000 grants for research into idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), and asthma.

“These three grants are a welcome addition to the ATS Research Program,” said MeiLan Han, MD, an ATS officer, in a press release. “Advanced technology in respiratory imaging and ventilation analysis has the potential to advance our understanding of lung diseases and guide decisions in patient care.”

All research supported by the grants will use 4DMedical’s X-ray velocimetry lung ventilation analysis software.

Recently cleared for use by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, the software, called XV Technology, provides 4D analyses of functional lung impairment following a fluoroscopy exam.

X-ray velocimetry is a relatively new technique that captures high-speed images of how different layers of tissue diffract or absorb X-rays as they pass through the body. Clinicians can use these analyses for earlier, more accurate diagnoses.

“4DMedical aims to contribute to the ATS mission to help the world breathe by revolutionizing respiratory imaging and ventilation analysis,” said Andreas Fouras, PhD, founder, CEO, and chief technology officer of 4DMedical.

“Our vision is to provide access to advanced technology providing patients and their doctors with better information and thereby promoting better outcomes for a wider range of patients with chronic and progressive lung diseases,” he added.

Applications are being accepted until Dec. 1. The applicants themselves or at least one key person listed on the grant should be ATS members. The person applying must have completed their primary research training — such as a PhD or medical sub-specialty — by July 1.

In addition to these requirements, applicants must be junior investigators, defined as being within 12 years of their final degree (such as an MD or a PhD) and who have not received non-mentored grants of $100,000 or more per year for at least two years.

A complete list of eligibility requirements can be found here.

The ATS may consider exceptions for extenuating circumstances, in which case it asks for an explanation to be sent before a formal letter of intent.

The ATS Research Program was founded to support new investigators trying to begin independent research careers. It has awarded $19.3 million in research grants over the past 16 years.

Interested applicants can find out more about this grant opportunity here.