EP2 blockers to protect the brain after a stroke
Official title: EP2 Antagonists for Ischemic Stroke
Funded at University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr · NIH-11548335 · Data updated 2026-11-12
Aims to test brain-permeable EP2 antagonists to reduce damage after ischemic stroke and improve recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Memphis, United States) |
| Project start | August 15, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $371,648 |
| NIH project number | 4R33NS130199-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11548335 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with ischemic stroke or stroke-related acquired brain injury could potentially benefit and be eligible in future trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without ischemic stroke or those outside the treatment window may not benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a new drug target, the EP2 receptor, to prevent inflammation and brain injury following a stroke. It uses brain-friendly EP2 antagonists to see if they can lessen neuron damage and improve outcomes when given after ischemia. The work builds on prior findings about prostaglandin pathways and aims to move toward safer, more effective treatment options beyond current therapies. The study is designed to identify the potential benefits and safety of EP2 blockade in stroke models and, if successful, guide future human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients who have an ischemic stroke could have a safer, potentially more effective treatment option that protects brain tissue and improves recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work supports EP2 signaling as a contributor to brain injury after stroke, with early results suggesting benefit from targeting this pathway.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
Memphis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jiang, Jianxiong — University of Tennessee Health Sci Ctr
- Study coordinator: Jiang, Jianxiong
Related research
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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.
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.