Optimizing brain chemical signaling to help people after traumatic brain injury
Official title: Investigating optimization of monoamine signaling in traumatic brain injury-induced neurobehavioral phenotypes
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11454996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A small study will test whether a drug called modafinil can improve thinking, attention, and emotional regulation in adults who have had a traumatic brain injury.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R03 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | August 7, 2026 |
| Project end | July 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $159,000 |
| NIH project number | 1R03NS141082-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11454996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years or older with acute or recent traumatic brain injury and associated cognitive or behavioral symptoms.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals without TBI or with contraindications to modafinil may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on adults with traumatic brain injury who may struggle with attention, cognitive flexibility, and anxiety. It will use a multimodal approach to study brain chemicals and the circuits involved in these difficulties. By giving modafinil over time, researchers hope to see improvements in executive function and emotional control, alongside changes in monoamine signaling. The work is done in a controlled setting to better understand potential benefits and safety for people living with TBI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could enhance attention and cognitive control for people with TBI, potentially improving daily functioning.
How similar studies have gone: Prior research suggests modafinil can affect motivation and memory; this study applies it specifically to TBI-related cognitive and emotional challenges.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Bondi, Corina Oana — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Bondi, Corina Oana
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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.