New treatment for brain injuries caused by repeated concussions

Novel EPO peptide therapy for chronic rmTBI dependent neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation

NIH-funded research VA New Jersey Health Care System · NIH-10938015

This study is testing a new treatment called JM4 to help people who have long-term brain problems from repeated mild concussions, aiming to reduce inflammation and improve brain function without the side effects of other therapies.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionVA New Jersey Health Care System NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (East Orange, United States)
Project IDNIH-10938015 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a novel peptide therapy to treat chronic neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation resulting from repeated mild traumatic brain injuries (rmTBI). The treatment, known as JM4, is derived from erythropoietin and aims to reduce harmful immune responses and inflammation in the brain without the side effects associated with traditional erythropoietin therapy. By crossing the blood-brain barrier, JM4 has shown promise in preliminary studies for improving neurological function and reducing brain damage in animal models. The research seeks to provide a potential therapeutic option for individuals suffering from the long-term effects of multiple concussions.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced multiple concussive head injuries, such as athletes in contact sports or military personnel.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced repeated mild traumatic brain injuries or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment that alleviates symptoms and slows the progression of neurodegenerative diseases caused by repeated concussions.

How similar studies have performed: Preliminary studies have shown success with similar approaches in animal models, indicating potential for effective treatment in humans.

Where this research is happening

East Orange, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.