Protecting brain white matter in infants with oxygen deprivation
Official title: White matter protection by inhibitors of glial scar formation in perinatal hypoxia ischemia
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10833065 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking for ways to help babies who have had low oxygen at birth avoid brain problems by developing new treatments that support healthy brain growth and myelin development.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | May 15, 2020 |
| Project end | April 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $351,043 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS116674-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-10833065 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are infants and young children who have experienced perinatal hypoxia and are at risk for white matter injury.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are older than 21 years or those without a history of perinatal hypoxia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on preventing white matter injury (WMI) in infants who have experienced perinatal hypoxia, a condition that can lead to lifelong disabilities. The team aims to develop new therapies that inhibit the formation of glial scars, which block the normal development of myelin in the brain. By targeting specific pathways involving hyaluronic acid and certain proteins, the researchers hope to enhance the maturation of brain cells necessary for healthy myelination. This innovative approach could lead to significant improvements in brain health for affected infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to therapies that significantly improve brain development and reduce disabilities in infants affected by oxygen deprivation at birth.
How similar studies have gone: While this approach is innovative, similar research targeting glial scar formation has shown promise in other contexts, suggesting potential for success.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Back, Stephen Arthur — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Back, Stephen Arthur
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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.