Ronit Freeman, an associate professor of applied physical sciences in the College of Arts and Sciences, was recently awarded a NCInnovation research and development grant for a fibrosis treatment project.

 

NCInnovation is a nonprofit that helps unlock the innovative potential of North Carolina’s world class public universities. The organization recently approved $13.6 million for 17 university R&D projects at 12 public universities in the state.

 

NCInnovation grant applications undergo rigorous evaluation. The R&D grants will support applied research that has already achieved proof of concept in areas ranging from agriculture technology to Alzheimer’s treatment.

 

Freeman and her team are developing a drug to treat fibrosis, which is a scarring of heart, lung or other organ tissue. Existing treatments for common types of fibrosis have such limited effects that only a fraction of patients even receive treatment. This team envisions producing a weekly inhalant that, at a minimum, will slow the condition’s progression and may reverse fibrosis, which would be unprecedented in humans.

 

Read about Ronit’s Achievement here.