Preventing Lung Disease in Preterm Babies

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia affects up to 90% of extremely preterm infants, yet no approved therapies exist. In this episode of the In Vivo podcast, Airway Therapeutics CEO Marc Salzberg discusses how their Phase Ib study of zelpultide alfa, a recombinant surfactant protein D, showed substantial reductions in BPD incidence and mechanical ventilation time. Salzberg explains the unique challenges of running neonatal trials, navigating regulatory pathways for vulnerable populations, and why preventing BPD could unlock broader respiratory applications. From ethics and enrollment to EMA approval and global expansion, this episode explores what it takes to develop breakthrough medicines for the smallest, most fragile patients.