A new way to protect the brain and improve recovery after an ischemic stroke
Official title: New approach to sustained neuroprotection and enhanced recovery following acute ischemic stroke
Funded at Ohio State University · NIH-10795767 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Developing a treatment to protect brain tissue and help people recover better after a sudden ischemic stroke treated with clot removal.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ohio State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbus, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 19, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $564,573 |
| NIH project number | 4R01NS127413-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10795767 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ultimately, ideal candidates would be adults who suffer an acute large-vessel ischemic stroke and receive endovascular thrombectomy.
✕Less likely to help
People with hemorrhagic (bleeding) strokes, chronic stable stroke deficits, or strokes not treated with thrombectomy are unlikely to benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This project tests a novel neuroprotective drug in models of large-vessel ischemic stroke that mimic clot removal (endovascular thrombectomy). The researchers follow updated STAIR guidelines and use rigorous preclinical methods to measure how the drug changes brain injury and recovery when given with reperfusion. They will study timing, safety signals, and biological effects in animal and laboratory models to decide whether the approach justifies human trials. Findings will guide the design of future clinical studies combining this neuroprotectant with current stroke therapies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce long-term brain damage and improve functional recovery after large ischemic strokes when used alongside clot-removal procedures.
How similar studies have gone: Many compounds have reduced stroke injury in animal models but largely failed in human trials, so this preclinical work applies stricter STAIR-based methods to improve chances of translation.
Where this research is happening
-
Ohio State University
Columbus, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Herson, Paco S — Ohio State University
- Study coordinator: Herson, Paco S
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Targeted nanomedicine to protect the brain after stroke
A targeted drug-delivery approach aims to boost blood-brain barrier repair and reduce brain damage after an acute ischemic stroke in patients at risk.
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Modeling Acute Ischemic Stroke to Improve Mechanical Thrombectomy
A research project is creating better computer models and animal studies to help remove clots more safely and effectively in people who have an acute ischemic stroke.
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Nanoparticle-delivered tPA to overcome clot resistance in acute ischemic stroke
A Mayo Clinic team is testing a nanoparticle-delivered tPA approach to help dissolve clots more effectively in people with acute ischemic stroke due to large vessel blockage.
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Engineered tissue regulatory T cells as a treatment for stroke
A new off-the-shelf cell therapy using engineered regulatory T cells could help people who have an ischemic stroke recover by reducing inflammation and promoting tissue repair.
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Fast penumbral imaging to guide stroke treatment
Aims to develop quick MRI techniques to identify tissue at risk in acute ischemic stroke and help decide whether to use advanced clot-busting treatment.
-
Circadian factors shaping reperfusion success in acute stroke
This grant looks at how the body’s internal clock might influence how well stroke patients respond to clot-busting or clot-removal treatments.
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.