Targeted Nanotherapies to Reach Injured Brain Cells in Brain Injury
Official title: Targeted Nanotherapies for the Treatment of Brain Disorders
Funded at Washington State University · NIH-11382981 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new nanoparticle system aims to deliver drugs directly to neurons at the site of brain injury to improve treatment for acquired brain injuries.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington State University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pullman, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | May 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $532,038 |
| NIH project number | 5R01NS140172-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11382981 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals with acquired brain injury who may benefit from therapies delivered directly to neurons across the blood-brain barrier.
✕Less likely to help
Patients without brain injury or those not eligible for neuron-targeted therapies may not benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
This project develops a neuron-targeted nanoplatform called 2DG-D to ferry therapeutic drugs across the blood-brain barrier after brain injury. It builds on early data showing the system can reach neurons at injury sites in a mouse model, with potential for safer, more effective treatment. The work focuses on optimizing delivery to the affected neurons and microglia while maintaining stability, solubility, and scalability for potential clinical use.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could enable more precise drug delivery to injured brain cells, potentially improving outcomes after brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Preliminary data in mice show targeted neuronal delivery across the BBB, suggesting promise for this strategy but human results are not yet known.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington State University
Pullman, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Sharma, Anjali — Washington State University
- Study coordinator: Sharma, Anjali
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.