NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

Finding new treatment targets for repeated mild brain injuries

Official title: Identify Novel Therapeutic Targets for Repetitive Mild TBI

Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11063113 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at how repeated mild brain injuries, like those some athletes and military members experience, can lead to serious brain problems later on, and it hopes to find new ways to help people who have had these injuries feel better and stay healthier.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVeterans Health Administration
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startApril 1, 2024
Project endMarch 31, 2028
Funding year2025
NIH project number5I01BX006372-02
Project IDNIH-11063113 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals who have experienced repetitive mild TBIs, such as athletes in contact sports or military personnel.

Less likely to help

Patients who have not experienced any form of mild traumatic brain injury may not receive any benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates the long-term effects of repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (mTBI), particularly in athletes and military personnel. It focuses on understanding how these injuries lead to neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer's disease by examining the role of oxidative stress and specific proteins involved in brain damage. Using a mouse model, the study aims to identify potential therapeutic targets that could mitigate the harmful effects of these injuries and improve patient outcomes. Patients may benefit from insights gained into new treatment strategies for managing the consequences of mTBI.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that help prevent or reduce the long-term effects of repetitive mild TBIs.

How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting oxidative stress and neurodegeneration in similar contexts, suggesting that this approach may yield valuable insights.

Where this research is happening

  • Veterans Health Administration
    Pittsburgh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Sun, Dandan — Veterans Health Administration
  • Study coordinator: Sun, Dandan

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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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.