Respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity 
and mortality in premature infants. It is caused by surfactant deficiency and 
lung immaturity. Lucinactant is a synthetic surfactant containing sinapultide, a 
bioengineered peptide mimic of surfactant-associated protein B. A meta-analysis 
of clinical trials demonstrates that lucinactant is as effective as 
animal-derived surfactants in preventing RDS in premature neonates, and in vitro 
studies suggest it is more resistant to oxidative and protein-induced 
inactivation. Its synthetic origin confers lower infection and inflammation 
risks as well other potential benefits, which may make lucinactant an 
advantageous alternative to its animal-derived counterparts, which are presently 
the standard treatment for RDS.