Optimizing caffeine dosing for infants with brain injury due to lack of oxygen

Dose Optimization for Novel Drugs for Infants with Hypoxic-Ischemic Encephalopathy

NIH-funded research Univ of North Carolina Chapel Hill · NIH-10906753

This study is looking at how caffeine can help protect the brains of babies with a serious condition called hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) while they receive cooling treatment, and it will test the best amount of caffeine to use for the best results.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniv of North Carolina Chapel Hill NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Chapel Hill, United States)
Project IDNIH-10906753 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on improving treatment for infants suffering from hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), a serious condition caused by a lack of oxygen to the brain. The study aims to develop a model to understand how caffeine behaves in the body during therapeutic hypothermia, a common treatment for HIE. By simulating different dosing regimens, the researchers hope to find the most effective caffeine dosage that can protect the brain and improve outcomes for these infants. Ultimately, the research will involve testing the optimized caffeine dosing in a small group of infants undergoing treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are infants diagnosed with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy who are undergoing therapeutic hypothermia.

Not a fit: Patients who do not have hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy or are not receiving therapeutic hypothermia may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved neurodevelopmental outcomes for infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that caffeine can reduce brain injury in animal models, but this approach in humans is novel and untested.

Where this research is happening

Chapel Hill, 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.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
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.