Targeted nanomedicine to protect the brain after stroke
Official title: Targeting the gatekeepers: Bolstering blood-brain barrier function using targeted nanomedicine in acute ischemic stroke
Funded at Temple Univ of the Commonwealth · NIH-11504265 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A targeted drug-delivery approach aims to boost blood-brain barrier repair and reduce brain damage after an acute ischemic stroke in patients at risk.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Temple Univ of the Commonwealth NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | June 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $408,207 |
| NIH project number | 7R01NS131279-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11504265 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who have experienced an acute ischemic stroke and are candidates for rapid targeted therapies.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with strokes not suitable for this targeted delivery approach or with contraindications to the study drugs may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project uses special antibody-equipped nano-carriers that home in on the injury area in the brain to deliver anti-inflammatory messages. The approach focuses on VCAM, a molecule that’s abundant in the damaged brain regions, to improve drug delivery to the right spot. Researchers have shown in animal models that these carriers can dramatically increase brain exposure to therapies and reduce stroke size. If successful, this could translate into faster protection of brain tissue and better survival after a stroke.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If the strategy works in humans, patients could experience less brain damage and better recovery after an acute ischemic stroke.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies in animals suggest strong delivery to injured brain tissue and improved outcomes with targeted nanocarriers, but human data are not yet available.
Where this research is happening
-
Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Marcos-Contreras, Oscar a. — Temple Univ of the Commonwealth
- Study coordinator: Marcos-Contreras, Oscar a.
Related research
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-
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Engineered tissue regulatory T cells as a treatment for stroke
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Circadian factors shaping reperfusion success in acute stroke
This grant looks at how the body’s internal clock might influence how well stroke patients respond to clot-busting or clot-removal treatments.
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A practical brain-cooling device to protect the brain during acute ischemic stroke
A new, patient-friendly endovascular cooling system aims to protect brain tissue during emergency stroke treatment to improve recovery.
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.