Evaluating a new oral treatment for moderate traumatic brain injury.

Preclinical Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Oral AST-004 for Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

NIH-funded research Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals, INC. · NIH-11185453

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 typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionAstrocyte Pharmaceuticals, INC. NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Cambridge, United States)
Project IDNIH-11185453 on NIH RePORTER

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.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are adults aged 21 and older who have sustained a moderate traumatic brain injury.

Not a fit: Patients with mild or severe traumatic brain injuries may not benefit from this specific research.

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 performed: Previous research has shown promise in targeting astrocytes for neuroprotection, indicating that this approach may lead to successful outcomes.

Where this research is happening

Cambridge, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Alzheimer disease dementiaAlzheimer syndrome
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.