A new EPO-derived peptide to protect the brain after repeated concussions
Official title: Novel EPO peptide therapy for chronic rmTBI dependent neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation
Funded at VA New Jersey Health Care System · NIH-11239788 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A short peptide based on erythropoietin is being developed to reduce brain inflammation and protect people who have had multiple mild concussions, such as veterans and contact-sport athletes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | VA New Jersey Health Care System NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (East Orange, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2021 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX003347-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11239788 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
People with a history of multiple concussions or repeated mild traumatic brain injuries—for example military personnel or contact-sport athletes with ongoing cognitive or mood problems—are the likely target group.
✕Less likely to help
People whose brain symptoms are from non-traumatic causes, a single isolated concussion without chronic problems, or who have advanced, irreversible neurodegeneration may not benefit from this treatment.
What this research studies
Researchers are testing JM4, a small peptide built from erythropoietin that can cross into the brain without raising red blood cell levels. In lab work so far, JM4 reduced long-term brain inflammation and improved outcomes in animal models of repeated mild traumatic brain injury and other neurodegenerative models. The project uses mouse models to measure behavior, brain inflammation, axonal injury, and tissue loss to see whether JM4 lessens progressive damage. Results will guide whether JM4 could move toward human testing for people with chronic symptoms after multiple concussions.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lower chronic brain inflammation, slow neurodegeneration, and help preserve memory and mood in people with repeated mild TBIs.
How similar studies have gone: Full-length erythropoietin has shown neuroprotective effects but caused dangerous increases in red blood cells, while JM4 has shown promising anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective results in animal studies but has not yet been tested in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
VA New Jersey Health Care System
East Orange, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Choi, Yun-Beom — VA New Jersey Health Care System
- Study coordinator: Choi, Yun-Beom
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About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.