Protecting newborn brains after oxygen-deprivation by targeting mitochondrial Complex I
Targeting mitochondrial Complex I in neonatal hypoxia-ischemia
['FUNDING_R01'] · UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE · NIH-11259493
Looking at a drug that turns down harmful mitochondrial reactions to help protect newborn babies' brains after severe loss of oxygen at birth.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11259493 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers use a well-known newborn rodent model of oxygen-deprivation to study how mitochondria contribute to ongoing brain injury after birth. They are testing a compound called mdivi-1 that appears to limit reactive oxygen species produced by mitochondrial Complex I while sparing overall energy production. The team will measure brain cell death, inflammation, and tissue loss to see if the drug reduces damage in the critical recovery window. If successful in animals, the findings could guide development of treatments to add to current cooling therapy for babies with HIE.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: The eventual target population would be full-term newborns who experience severe hypoxia-ischemia around the time of birth and are candidates for therapeutic hypothermia.
Not a fit: This preclinical work would not directly help older children or adults, babies without oxygen-related brain injury, or infants with already extensive and irreversible brain damage.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lead to new treatments that reduce brain damage and long-term disabilities in infants who suffer hypoxic-ischemic injury at birth.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical studies targeting mitochondrial reactive oxygen have shown benefit in animal models, but this approach has not yet been proven effective in human newborns.
Where this research is happening
BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES
- UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE — BALTIMORE, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: WADDELL, JAYLYN WADDELL — UNIVERSITY OF MARYLAND BALTIMORE
- Study coordinator: WADDELL, JAYLYN WADDELL
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 below.