Targeting inflammation to improve recovery after spinal cord injury
Official title: Therapeutic benefit of targeting neuroinflammation in spinal cord injury with a novel small molecule inhibitor of the RNA regulator HuR
Funded at Birmingham VA Medical Center · NIH-10950286 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment that could help reduce inflammation and pain after a spinal cord injury by targeting a specific molecule in the body, which might lead to better recovery and improved quality of life for patients.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Birmingham VA Medical Center NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | October 1, 2022 |
| Project end | September 30, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I01BX005899-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950286 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have recently experienced a spinal cord injury, particularly younger veterans.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with chronic spinal cord injuries or those who do not have an inflammatory response may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how a new small molecule can inhibit the RNA regulator HuR, which plays a significant role in the inflammatory response following spinal cord injury (SCI). By targeting neuroinflammation, the study aims to reduce secondary tissue damage and alleviate chronic pain associated with SCI. The approach focuses on understanding the mechanisms of glial cell activation and the inflammatory cascade that occurs after injury, with the goal of developing early interventions that can enhance recovery. Patients may benefit from potential treatments that could improve their quality of life and functional outcomes after SCI.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly improve recovery and reduce pain for patients with spinal cord injuries.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in targeting neuroinflammation for spinal cord injuries, indicating that this approach may lead to meaningful advancements.
Where this research is happening
-
Birmingham VA Medical Center
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: King, Peter H — Birmingham VA Medical Center
- Study coordinator: King, Peter H
Related research
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Targeting spinal cord inflammation with a new HuR inhibitor to help SCI patients
A new treatment approach uses a small molecule to block a brain-spinal inflammation regulator (HuR) that drives harmful inflammation after spinal cord injury, aiming to lessen damage and pain for people with SCI.
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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.