Lucinactant, a novel synthetic peptide, functionally mimics the anti-inflammatory properties of surfactant protein B. As a KL4-Surfactant, it protects human airway epithelium from hyperoxia [1] [2] [3].

Lucinactant (140 μL; 24 h and 72 h) offers anti-inflammatory benefits by outperforming both an animal-derived surfactant and saline control throughout 72 hours of moderate hyperoxia [1]. In addition, at the same dosage and a 24-hour exposure, it significantly lowers IL-8 and IL-6 secretion in hyperoxically exposed Calu-3 monolayers compared to normal saline [1]. Furthermore, Lucinactant mitigates the presence of swollen nuclei and intracellular vacuoles in Calu-3 cells during similar hyperoxic conditions [1]. In a Cell Viability Assay, hyperoxically exposed Calu-3 monolayers treated with Lucinactant for 72 hours displayed improved cell viability and transepithelial resistance [1].

Lucinactant (175 mg total phospholipid/5.8 mL/kg; intratracheal medication; single dose) reduces pulmonary inflammation, maintains lung structure, and enhances physiological outcomes in preterm lambs (125-128 days gestation) with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) [2]. The administration of 175 mg total phospholipid/kg (5.8 mL/kg) resulted in diminished lung and systemic inflammatory responses, improved oxygenation with lower ventilatory demands, and better-preserved lung structural integrity.