Investigating a new treatment for chronic complex traumatic brain injury using a neurosteroid.
Official title: Novel Regenerative Therapeutic in Chronic Complex TBI
Funded at Durham VA Medical Center · NIH-11174309 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a natural substance called Allopregnanolone to see if it can help veterans with chronic traumatic brain injury feel better by reducing symptoms like depression and pain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Durham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | July 1, 2019 |
| Project end | June 30, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| NIH project number | 5I01RX002798-06 |
| Project ID | NIH-11174309 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are Veterans diagnosed with chronic complex traumatic brain injury who may also experience symptoms of depression and pain.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have chronic complex TBI or those without associated symptoms like depression and pain may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on the use of Allopregnanolone (ALLO), a naturally occurring neurosteroid, to treat chronic complex traumatic brain injury (TBI). The study aims to conduct a Phase 2 randomized controlled trial specifically in Veterans suffering from TBI, assessing the effectiveness and safety of ALLO in alleviating symptoms such as depression and pain that often accompany this condition. By replenishing ALLO levels, the research seeks to improve brain health and overall quality of life for affected individuals. The trial will gather critical data that could pave the way for a new therapeutic approach to managing TBI and its associated challenges.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option that significantly improves the quality of life for patients with chronic complex TBI.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promising results with neurosteroids in similar contexts, suggesting potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Durham VA Medical Center
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marx, Christine E. — Durham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: Marx, Christine E.
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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.