Combinatorial neuroprotective strategies for preterm brain injury in youth
Official title: Combinatorial Neuroprotective Strategies for Preterm Brain Injury
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11369882 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests combinations of treatments to protect the brains of extremely preterm infants as they grow into adolescence.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | September 19, 2023 |
| Project end | June 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $517,894 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD111440-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11369882 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Infants born extremely preterm (<28 weeks gestation) and their families may benefit from future therapies developed from this research.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage preclinical studies may not yet translate to immediate patient therapies for most individuals.
What this research studies
This project builds on lab work with ferret models and human-like brain tissue to explore neuroprotective therapies for preterm brain injury. Researchers are using both in vitro brain slice experiments and animal models to identify treatments that reduce injury and improve later brain function. The goal is to find combinations that work best to prevent disabilities such as cerebral palsy, autism, or ADHD in people born very early. The work is designed to translate promising findings toward clinical use in infants who survive preterm birth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that reduce brain injury and improve long-term neurodevelopment for very preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous preclinical studies in preterm brain injury have shown region-specific responses to therapy and promise for neuroprotection.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Nance, Elizabeth a — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Nance, Elizabeth a
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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.