Neuroprotective peptide therapy for global brain injury after cardiac arrest
Official title: IND-enabling studies for a potent and efficient neuroprotective drug
Funded at Neurexis Therapeutics, INC. · NIH-11394458 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A promising peptide drug (tatCN19o) is being prepared for human testing to protect the brain after cardiac arrest and global brain ischemia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Neurexis Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, United States) |
| Project start | September 24, 2021 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $238,126 |
| NIH project number | 5R44NS120427-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394458 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates would be adults at risk of global cerebral ischemia or those who have experienced cardiac arrest with resulting brain injury and are potential participants in early clinical trials.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without acute brain injury from cardiac arrest or those not eligible for IND‑enabling studies would not be directly benefiting from this work.
What this research studies
Global cerebral ischemia can cause severe brain damage after cardiac arrest. This project aims to complete IND‑enabling studies for tatCN19o, a CaMKII inhibitor that has shown strong neuroprotection in animal models of CPR and induced ventricular fibrillation. The work includes validating target engagement, optimizing potency and selectivity, and preparing regulatory documentation to enable initial human studies. If successful, the approach could improve outcomes beyond current standards like therapeutic hypothermia. The research is conducted by Neurexis Therapeutics and collaborators to move toward first‑in‑human trials.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could reduce brain injury and improve survival and cognitive outcomes after cardiac arrest.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical results in animal models showed strong neuroprotection and synergy with therapeutic hypothermia, supporting a path toward human testing.
Where this research is happening
-
Neurexis Therapeutics, INC.
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Goforth, Robyn L — Neurexis Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Goforth, Robyn L
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.