Evaluating a new oral treatment for moderate traumatic brain injury.
Official title: Preclinical Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Oral AST-004 for Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Funded at Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals, INC. · NIH-11185453 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new oral medication called AST-004 to see if it can help people with moderate traumatic brain injuries recover better by protecting brain cells and improving healing.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $1,499,886 |
| NIH project number | 1R44NS137896-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11185453 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have sustained a moderate traumatic brain injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with mild or severe traumatic brain injuries may not benefit from this specific research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the development of AST-004, a small molecule designed to be administered orally to patients with moderate traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aims to assess the safety and effectiveness of AST-004 in protecting brain cells and improving recovery outcomes. By targeting astrocytes, a type of brain cell that plays a crucial role in healing, the research seeks to enhance mitochondrial function and reduce damage caused by TBI. Patients participating in this research may receive a novel treatment that could significantly improve their recovery process.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new therapeutic option that improves recovery and reduces long-term disabilities associated with moderate TBI.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in targeting astrocytes for neuroprotection, indicating that this approach may lead to successful outcomes.
Where this research is happening
-
Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Liston, Theodore E — Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals, INC.
- Study coordinator: Liston, Theodore E
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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.