Understanding how brain injuries affect men and women differently to improve treatment with nanoparticles

Exploiting sex-dependent brain injury response for nanoparticle therapeutics

NIH-funded research Arizona State University-Tempe Campus · NIH-10990513

This study is looking at how brain injuries affect men and women differently to improve treatments using tiny drug-carrying particles, helping doctors create better care options based on whether a patient is male or female.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionArizona State University-Tempe Campus NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Tempe, United States)
Project IDNIH-10990513 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how traumatic brain injuries (TBI) impact males and females differently, particularly focusing on how these differences affect the delivery of nanoparticle-based therapies. By studying the mechanisms behind blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption in both sexes, the researchers aim to enhance the effectiveness of drug delivery systems designed to treat TBI. The approach involves using animal models to explore the role of sex hormones in influencing the BBB's response to injury and the subsequent delivery of therapeutic nanoparticles. This could lead to more tailored and effective treatments for brain injuries based on a patient's sex.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are individuals who have experienced a traumatic brain injury, with a focus on understanding differences in treatment responses between males and females.

Not a fit: Patients who have not suffered a traumatic brain injury or those with pre-existing conditions that significantly alter their response to treatment may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved therapeutic strategies for treating traumatic brain injuries, potentially enhancing recovery outcomes for patients.

How similar studies have performed: While the use of nanoparticles for drug delivery is a growing field, this specific focus on sex-dependent responses in TBI is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested in prior studies.

Where this research is happening

Tempe, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions Acquired brain injury
Last reviewed 2026-06-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.