NIH-funded research U01 cooperative agreement

Identifying blood markers to track brain injury progression

Official title: Analytical characterization and validation of blood-biomarkers for monitoring TBI evolution

Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-10793739 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is looking at certain blood tests that could help doctors track how a traumatic brain injury is healing, and it's for anyone who has had a TBI, as it aims to make these tests easier to understand and use in everyday healthcare.

Quick facts

Grant typeU01 cooperative agreement
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Pittsburgh, United States)
Project startAugust 10, 2024
Project endJuly 31, 2028
Funding year2024
Award (this year)$1,444,308
NIH project number1U01NS131740-01A1
Project IDNIH-10793739 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research include individuals of all ages who have experienced a traumatic brain injury.

Less likely to help

Patients with non-traumatic brain injuries or those who do not have access to the participating hospitals may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research focuses on validating seven specific blood biomarkers that can help monitor the progression of traumatic brain injury (TBI). By analyzing blood samples collected from over 80 hospitals worldwide, the study aims to establish standardized procedures for measuring these biomarkers, which can vary significantly based on how samples are collected and analyzed. The goal is to create universal reference intervals that will make it easier for healthcare providers to interpret biomarker results and improve patient care. This research is crucial for transitioning these biomarkers from research settings into everyday clinical practice.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more accurate monitoring and treatment of patients with traumatic brain injuries.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using blood biomarkers for monitoring brain injuries, indicating that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

  • University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
    Pittsburgh, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Puccio, Ava M. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
  • Study coordinator: Puccio, Ava M.

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.