Lucier awarded $606,311 NIH grant to advance LU-1001 research
The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute has awarded Lucier Pharmaceuticals $606,311 to investigate the diagnostic and therapeutic potential of LU-1001 for coronary microvascular dysfunction (CMD).
The Phase I Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) project brings together Lucier Pharmaceuticals and Texas A&M University, the subaward institution. Dr. Guangrong Lu and Dr. Jonathan Bova are the principal investigators. NIH issued the award on September 11, 2026; the project period runs from September 15, 2026 through August 31, 2027.
The research will evaluate LU-1001, an investigational Rho kinase (ROCK) inhibitor, in isolated coronary arterioles and a porcine model. The project asks whether LU-1001 can improve arteriolar dilation and coronary physiology measurements under elevated endothelin-1 conditions that model CMD.
These complementary laboratory and in vivo studies are intended to inform CMD endotyping and guide subsequent therapeutic development. The work is preclinical; diagnostic utility, safety, and clinical efficacy in patients have not been established.
The project also incorporates scientific, preclinical-development, and business mentorship. Lucier’s announcement recognizes Dr. Lih Kuo, E.L. Berryman, and Dr. Lee Schalop for their roles in supporting this work.
The NIH RePORTER record lists the project as “Diagnostic and Therapeutic Potential of LU-1001 for Coronary Microvascular Dysfunction” under award 1R41HL184579-01A1.