IGF-1 to protect newborn brains after intraventricular bleeding

IGF-1 and Innate Immunity in Neonatal Brain Injury

['FUNDING_R01'] · MEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA · NIH-11194460

Looks at whether giving IGF-1 can help protect the developing brains of newborns who have had bleeding in the brain ventricles (IVH).

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R01']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorMEDICAL UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH CAROLINA (nih funded)
Locations1 site (CHARLESTON, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-11194460 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This project focuses on babies who suffer intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), a brain bleed that can cause long-term motor and learning problems. Researchers will study how immune cells in the newborn brain (microglia) change after bleeding and how those cells' production of IGF-1 affects fragile myelin-forming cells (oligodendrocyte progenitor cells). In lab and preclinical experiments they will expose microglia to blood products, measure inflammatory signals and IGF-1 levels, and test whether giving extra IGF-1 helps OPC survival and myelination. The overall aim is to develop an approach that could be given after IVH to reduce white matter injury and improve long-term outcomes for affected infants.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates would be newborns or premature infants diagnosed with intraventricular hemorrhage soon after birth.

Not a fit: This approach would likely not benefit older children or adults, or infants without bleeding in the brain.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to a therapy that protects white matter and reduces the risk of lifelong developmental disability after neonatal IVH.

How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies support a protective role for IGF-1 in oligodendrocyte development, but using IGF-1 specifically for neonatal IVH is a newer and not yet well-tested strategy.

Where this research is happening

CHARLESTON, 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.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Conditions: Acquired brain injury

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.