Using a nasal spray to help brain recovery after oxygen deprivation at birth

Intranasal LIF to improve neurological recovery from perinatal hypoxia-ischema

NIH-funded research Rutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences · NIH-10824210

This study is looking at how a special protein given through the nose might help newborns who didn't get enough oxygen at birth recover better by encouraging their brain cells to heal.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRutgers Biomedical and Health Sciences NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Newark, UNITED STATES)
Project IDNIH-10824210 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research investigates how a protein called leukemia inhibitor factor (LIF) can be administered through the nose to promote brain recovery in newborns who have experienced a lack of oxygen during birth. The study focuses on understanding the role of LIF in stimulating neural stem cells to repair brain damage and improve neurological function. By using mouse models that simulate this condition, researchers aim to determine the effectiveness of LIF in reducing brain cell loss and enhancing recovery. The approach is non-invasive, making it a potentially safer option for treatment.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are newborns who have experienced oxygen deprivation during birth, particularly those at risk for neurological deficits.

Not a fit: Patients who have not experienced perinatal hypoxia-ischemia or those with other unrelated neurological conditions may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new treatments that significantly improve neurological outcomes for infants affected by perinatal hypoxia-ischemia.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using similar cytokine therapies for neurological recovery, suggesting a potential for success in this approach.

Where this research is happening

Newark, 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 behavioral disorderBehavior Disorders
Last reviewed 2026-06-10 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.