Human Schwann Cell–Derived Exosome Therapy for Traumatic Brain Injury
Official title: Human Schwann Cell-Derived Exosome Treatment for Traumatic Brain Injury
Funded at University of Miami School of Medicine · NIH-11384711 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new treatment using tiny particles from human nerve cells given after brain injury to help protect the brain and improve recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R37 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Miami School of Medicine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Coral Gables, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | July 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $422,550 |
| NIH project number | 5R37NS133195-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11384711 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with acute traumatic brain injury who may be eligible for future trials of exosome-based therapy, pending safety and efficacy results.
✕Less likely to help
Early-stage research may not yet translate to immediate benefits for current patients with brain injury.
What this research studies
This grant explores giving tiny vesicles called exosomes from human Schwann cells after a traumatic brain injury to see if it can reduce damage and improve long-term function. Researchers will test different doses and timing in an established brain injury model to understand how it works, how safe it is, and how it affects the brain’s repair processes. The study aims to measure changes in brain structure, biochemistry, and behavior over time to determine a potential path to clinical use. If successful, this work could lay the groundwork for a new, multi-target approach to lessen injury and improve recovery for people with TBI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients with TBI could benefit from a new therapy that reduces brain damage and supports better long-term recovery.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data suggest potential anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects of exosomes in nervous system injuries, but human data are limited.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Miami School of Medicine
Coral Gables, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Dietrich, W Dalton — University of Miami School of Medicine
- Study coordinator: Dietrich, W Dalton
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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.