Oral AST-004 for moderate traumatic brain injury: promising approach to protect brain cells
Official title: Preclinical Efficacy and Safety Evaluation of Oral AST-004 for Moderate Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Funded at Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals, INC. · NIH-11349693 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new oral drug (AST-004) is being tested to help people with moderate traumatic brain injury recover better and reduce brain damage.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cambridge, United States) |
| Project start | June 12, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $1,499,802 |
| NIH project number | 5R44NS137896-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11349693 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are adults with moderate traumatic brain injury who can receive early treatment after injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with injuries outside the moderate TBI range or who cannot take oral medications may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on testing an oral medicine, AST-004, that aims to protect brain cells after a moderate TBI by supporting astrocyte function and energy production. The study builds on prior lab and early clinical work to see if the drug can be given safely and quickly after injury to improve neuron survival and long-term brain function. Researchers will examine how the drug behaves in the body, its safety profile, and its potential to reduce swelling and cell damage in people with moderate TBI. If successful, this could lead to a new treatment option that complements standard care and supports better recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the drug could improve survival and long-term brain function after moderate TBI.
How similar studies have gone: Previous work suggested AST-004 may protect brain cells, but this is an early-stage study for oral use in humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals, INC.
Cambridge, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Korinek, William Sethre — Astrocyte Pharmaceuticals, INC.
- Study coordinator: Korinek, William Sethre
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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.