Investigating post-traumatic epilepsy using large animal models
Official title: Large Animal Core (Core 1)
Funded at Massachusetts General Hospital · NIH-11088156 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the brain reacts to epilepsy after an injury by using pigs, so researchers can watch and understand what happens in real-time, which could help improve treatments for people with epilepsy in the future.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Massachusetts General Hospital NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Boston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $659,300 |
| NIH project number | 5P01NS127769-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11088156 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced traumatic brain injuries and are at risk of developing epilepsy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who do not have a history of traumatic brain injury or epilepsy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a large animal model of post-traumatic epilepsy using swine, which allows for advanced monitoring and imaging techniques. The team will implant devices for video EEG monitoring and perform surgeries to study the brain's response to epilepsy. By using cutting-edge technology, they aim to visualize cellular processes in real-time, providing insights into the mechanisms of epilepsy. The research also includes the collection and archiving of biological data to support future studies.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better understanding and treatment options for patients suffering from post-traumatic epilepsy.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using animal models to study epilepsy, indicating that this approach has potential for valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
Massachusetts General Hospital
Boston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Costine-Bartell, Beth a — Massachusetts General Hospital
- Study coordinator: Costine-Bartell, Beth a
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Pregnant Travelers Health and Disease Prevention Network
This grant supports a national network to improve health and prevent infections among international travelers, with a special focus on pregnant travelers.
-
Soluble ST2 and the course of lung injury in ARDS
A doctor-scientist at a top hospital is studying how a molecule called soluble ST2 may influence how lung injury starts and heals in patients with ARDS and related conditions.
-
Role of airway macrophages in lung health and allergic disease
A doctor-scientist at a major hospital wants to study how immune cells in the airways develop and influence asthma and other airway diseases.
-
Global TravEpiNet: Understanding and Protecting US Travelers, including Pregnant Travelers
A large U.S. network studies international travelers, including pregnant travelers, to understand illness risks and reduce the spread of infections.
-
Gait speed from wearable sensors to guide ALS trials
A patient-friendly look at using wearable sensors to measure how fast people with ALS walk, to help run better ALS trials.
-
Determinants of Post-Stroke Cognitive Outcomes and Vascular Effects on Recovery
A large, multi-site effort aims to understand why some stroke survivors develop long-term cognitive problems and dementia, and how vascular health and pre-existing brain changes influence recovery.
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.