Pulmonary surfactant has long been recognized as a potential factor in the development and perpetuation of the acute respiratory distress syndrome(ARDS). Attempts to use therapeutic surfactants in the treatment of ARDS, however, have been frustrated by the lack of agents that are both biophysically active and available in Pulmonary surfactant has long been recognized as a potential factor in the development and perpetuation of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Attempts to use therapeutic surfactants in the treatment of ARDS, however, have been frustrated by the lack of agents that are both biophysically active and available in