Neuregulin-1 for improving recovery after ischemic stroke
Neuregulin-1 as a Therapeutic Treatment of Ischemic Stroke
This work tests whether the drug neuregulin-1 can protect brain cells and help people recover after a blocked‑artery (ischemic) stroke.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Howard University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Washington, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11224064 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient point of view, researchers are developing the drug neuregulin-1 (NRG-1) as a treatment to limit brain damage and support repair after an ischemic stroke. Much of the current work has used animal stroke models showing reduced nerve cell death, less inflammation, and improved blood‑brain barrier integrity when NRG-1 is given even many hours after stroke. The team notes NRG-1 also improved neurological function when given days after injury in animals and that the drug has already shown benefit in human heart failure trials. The project aims to move this approach closer to treatments that could be tested in people who have had a stroke.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who recently experienced an ischemic (blocked‑artery) stroke and meet clinical criteria for enrollment in a translational or clinical treatment protocol.
Not a fit: People with hemorrhagic (bleeding) stroke, those far past the acute/subacute recovery period, or patients with medical contraindications to the drug may not receive benefit from this approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, NRG-1 could reduce brain injury, improve recovery of function, and broaden the time window when stroke patients can receive effective therapy.
How similar studies have performed: Animal studies showed strong protection and improved recovery with NRG-1, and NRG-1 has produced positive results in human heart failure trials, but its use for human ischemic stroke has not been well established.
Where this research is happening
Washington, United States
- Howard University — Washington, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ford, Byron D. — Howard University
- Study coordinator: Ford, Byron D.
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 below.