OCRID Pilot Project Leader Awarded National Science Foundation Grant
Congratulations to Dr. Yu Feng and his team who have been awarded a National Science Foundation Grant!
Dr. Yu Feng and co-PI Dr. Chenang Liu (College of Engineering, Architecture and Technology) were awarded $550,000 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for their proposal titled “PFI-RP: Improving Inhaler Design and Efficacy with a Novel AI-assisted Digital Human Testing Platform”.
Their project aims to develop a user-friendly and reliable virtual human testing platform. This platform holds the potential to precisely quantify inhaler performance in a manner that is both disease-specific and patient-specific. By accelerating inhaler innovation, the research holds far-reaching implications for refining drug delivery efficiency to targeted lung sites, thereby benefiting individuals afflicted with chronic lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The proposed all-in-one virtual human testing platform holds immense value for pharmaceutical and medical device design companies. By providing a reliable and comprehensive testing environment, the platform may fast-track inhaler technology development, leading to improved therapeutic outcomes and reduced side effects for patients."
Employing an AI-assisted approach, the project constructs representative whole-lung models for COPD, an innovation that helps pharmaceutical companies to gain insights into precise dosing within specific lung environments. The research introduces a non-invasive and cost-effective alternative for comparative bioequivalence studies related to inhaler engineering and design. This approach, in turn, benefits diverse population groups encompassing various lung diseases.
The collaborative efforts of Dr. Feng and Dr. Liu hold the promise of transforming inhaler technology, reshaping drug delivery practices, and ultimately enhancing the quality of life for patients grappling with respiratory conditions.