Bispecific antibody therapy targeting CGRP and CCL2 for chronic post-traumatic headache
Official title: Generation of a CCL2-CGRP bispecific neutralizing antibody to treat chronic post-traumatic headache
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11418123 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new non-opioid treatment using a dual-targeting antibody aims to prevent and treat chronic post-traumatic headache in people who have suffered a mild traumatic brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2026 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $816,375 |
| NIH project number | 1R61NS146000-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11418123 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Individuals suffering from chronic post-traumatic headache, particularly those with a history of mild traumatic brain injury, could be eligible in later phases.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without chronic post-traumatic headache or those not aligned with the trial's inclusion criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a first-in-class bispecific antibody that blocks both CGRP and CCL2 signaling to reduce chronic post-traumatic headache. Researchers will generate human-relevant antibodies in the R61 phase using phage display methods and immunized animal tissues to produce candidates. The work focuses on a non-opioid approach with the potential to address multiple triggers of PTH, with a strong emphasis on translational relevance for patients who suffer long-term headaches after mTBI. If successful, this therapy could offer an alternative for patients who do not respond to current treatments and reduce opioid reliance.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could gain a non-opioid option that targets key headache pathways and reduces chronic PTH symptoms.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies show that blocking CGRP or CCL2 alone helps in some models, but dual blockade in animals has shown broader protection, supporting this novel combined approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Cao, Yuqing — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Cao, Yuqing
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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.