Acute lung failure (ALF) is a life-threatening condition in which the lungs can no longer provide sufficient oxygen to the body or remove carbon dioxide effectively. It can result from pneumonia, sepsis, trauma, or viral infections such as COVID-19. Patients with ALF often require intensive care support, and outcomes depend heavily on the ability to manage gas exchange without causing further harm.
For patients who fail non-invasive ventilation, the next available treatment step is typically invasive mechanical ventilation (IMV). While effective in supporting gas exchange, IMV requires intubation, sedation, and often neuromuscular blockade — all of which carry significant risks, including ventilator-associated lung injury, infections, and long-term physical and cognitive impairments. Despite widespread recognition of these complications, no clinically accepted alternatives currently exist for patients who are at risk of being intubated.
The MiRA project addresses this critical treatment gap by developing a novel system for hyperbaric blood oxygenation. Unlike traditional extracorporeal systems, MiRA is designed for earlier intervention and focuses on preserving patient autonomy and lung function. The approach combines a compact console, a high-efficiency artificial lung, and advanced monitoring, into a fully integrated system that integrate seamlessly into the existing infrastructure of intensive care units. By stabilizing gas exchange without the need for intubation, the system aims to prevent further deterioration and reduce the need for invasive ventilation.
Led by HBOX Therapies GmbH, the project brings together expertise in medical device engineering, clinical intensive care, and regulatory strategy. The overall objective is to deliver a safe, effective, and user-friendly system that will improve outcomes for patients with acute respiratory failure and help clinicians intervene before critical thresholds are crossed.
At a broader level, the project supports European healthcare goals to improve patient-centered care, reduce complications associated with highly invasive treatments, and strengthen the resilience of intensive care systems. If successful, MiRA could enable earlier, less invasive treatment of respiratory failure and offer a pathway that reduces clinical burden while supporting recovery.
