New glucose-based molecules to target damaged brain cells
Official title: Novel Glucose dendrimers for targeting injured neurons
Funded at Johns Hopkins University · NIH-10972937 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring a new way to use special sugar-based molecules to help deliver medicine directly to injured brain cells, aiming to improve recovery for people who have had strokes or other brain injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Johns Hopkins University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Baltimore, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2024 |
| Project end | June 30, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $519,500 |
| NIH project number | 1R01NS139204-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10972937 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced acute brain injuries, such as strokes or traumatic brain injuries.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic neurological conditions or those who do not have acute brain injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative dendrimers made from glucose to specifically deliver therapeutic drugs to injured neurons in the brain. By leveraging the increased glucose uptake seen in damaged neurons, the study aims to create a targeted approach that enhances drug delivery without the need for additional targeting agents. The goal is to improve neuroprotection and repair in patients suffering from acute brain injuries, such as those caused by strokes or trauma. The research builds on previous successes in targeting brain inflammation and aims to validate this new method in clinical settings.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to more effective treatments for patients with acute brain injuries, improving recovery and outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown success in using dendrimers for targeting brain inflammation, indicating potential for this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Johns Hopkins University
Baltimore, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Rangaramanujam, Kannan — Johns Hopkins University
- Study coordinator: Rangaramanujam, Kannan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Targeting hidden brain injuries in iTTP to improve long-term brain health
A researcher aims to find out how silent brain injuries in people with immune thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (iTTP) happen, how they affect thinking and stroke risk, and how to prevent them.
-
Accelerated flap coverage for severe leg injuries: earlier reconstruction vs standard timing
This study tests whether doing early flap coverage after a severe leg injury lowers infection risk and improves healing for patients with open wounds and bone injury.
-
Placebo-controlled shunting for iNPH: does the surgery help with walking and balance?
A doctor-led trial at Johns Hopkins will test whether a shunt surgery improves walking and balance in older adults with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus.
-
Omalizumab for COPD patients with allergen sensitization and exposure
A multicenter trial will test whether adding omalizumab helps people with COPD who are allergic to common indoor allergens and are exposed to them.
-
Johns Hopkins Total Worker Health Center focusing on mental health
A nationwide center at Johns Hopkins is working to improve mental health and well-being among workers by studying workplace health strategies and translating findings into practical tools.
-
Role of fat droplets in liver fat and inflammatory signals in NAFLD
A study at Johns Hopkins will explore how fat droplets in the liver influence molecules that drive inflammation and progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adults.
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.