Airway Therapeutics secures $1.9 million NIH grant for zelputide alfa clinical trial

CINCINNATI — Airway Therapeutics secured a $1.9 million grant from the National Institutes of Health to advance the clinical development of its lead candidate, zelputide alfa, according to a PR Newswire release published on Sept. 29, 2026.

Strategic Context

The non-dilutive capital injection is earmarked specifically to support an ongoing phase 2b/3 study evaluating zelputide alfa for the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia, a chronic respiratory condition affecting premature infants. For early-stage biopharmaceutical operators, non-dilutive grant funding from federal agencies such as the NIH provides critical runway for late-stage clinical trials without altering the existing equity cap table.

Financial & Macro Implications

Clinical-stage biotech financing typically relies on venture capital tranches, private placements, or partnership licensing deals. By securing $1.9 million in direct federal funding, Airway Therapeutics preserves equity value while advancing the clinical evaluation of zelputide alfa through the phase 2b/3 study.

Forward Outlook

Operators and allocators tracking the asset should monitor trial execution milestones for the phase 2b/3 study as the company deploys the NIH funds toward the prevention of bronchopulmonary dysplasia.