Tiny stem-cell particles given through the nose to help recovery after traumatic brain injury
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Derived Extracellular Vesicles for Traumatic Brain Injury
['FUNDING_R01'] · TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR · NIH-11234538
This project is trying a nasal therapy made from tiny particles released by human stem cells to help people recover thinking and mood after a traumatic brain injury.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11234538 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
Researchers are developing a therapy made from extracellular vesicles—very small particles released by human mesenchymal stem cells—that can be given through the nose. Earlier animal work showed a single intranasal dose shortly after injury improved brain function, and the team will now test delayed dosing in the acute phase and treatment in the chronic phase. They will also identify specific microRNAs inside the vesicles and load them into EVs to boost anti-inflammatory and brain-repair effects. The studies will measure memory, mood, neuroinflammation, and new neuron growth to find the most effective timing and cargo.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People who recently suffered a traumatic brain injury or who have persistent cognitive or mood problems after TBI would be the most likely candidates for future clinical trials.
Not a fit: People with non-traumatic brain injuries (such as stroke), medical conditions that make intranasal delivery unsafe, or very advanced irreversible brain damage may not benefit from this therapy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could become a non-surgical nasal treatment that reduces brain inflammation and improves memory and mood after TBI.
How similar studies have performed: Preclinical animal studies, including prior work by this team, have shown promising benefit from intranasal mesenchymal extracellular vesicles, but human clinical evidence is not yet established.
Where this research is happening
COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES
- TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR — COLLEGE STATION, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: SHETTY, ASHOK K — TEXAS A&M UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCE CTR
- Study coordinator: SHETTY, ASHOK K
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.