Using a special emulsion to protect the brain during a stroke
Official title: Dodecafluoropentane emulsion (DDFPe), NanO2™ as Cerebroprotectant in Ischemic Stroke
Funded at Nuvox Pharma, LLC · NIH-11060992 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new treatment called NanO2™ that might help protect the brain during an ischemic stroke, and it's for patients who are receiving standard care like thrombectomy and tPA, to see if it can improve their recovery and brain function.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Nuvox Pharma, LLC NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Tucson, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $299,943 |
| NIH project number | 5U44NS130589-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11060992 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults experiencing an ischemic stroke, particularly those who can receive treatment within a few hours of symptom onset.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have had a stroke for more than five hours or those with hemorrhagic strokes may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of a novel emulsion called NanO2™ (dodecafluoropentane emulsion) as a potential cerebroprotectant for patients experiencing ischemic strokes. The approach involves administering this emulsion intravenously within a critical time frame after stroke onset to preserve brain function and reduce damage. The study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of NanO2™ in combination with standard treatments like mechanical thrombectomy and tPA. Patients will be monitored for improvements in neurological function and overall recovery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to a new treatment that significantly reduces brain damage and improves recovery outcomes for stroke patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown promising results with similar approaches, indicating that this method could be a viable option for stroke treatment.
Where this research is happening
-
Nuvox Pharma, LLC
Tucson, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Unger, Evan Charles — Nuvox Pharma, LLC
- Study coordinator: Unger, Evan Charles
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Improving blood flow after stroke by breaking down NETs
Aims to see if breaking down neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) after an ischemic stroke can improve blood flow and reduce brain injury in patients.
-
EP2 blockers to protect the brain after a stroke
Aims to test brain-permeable EP2 antagonists to reduce damage after ischemic stroke and improve recovery.
-
Genetic testing to find causes of early-onset ischemic stroke
This project uses whole-exome sequencing to look for gene changes that may cause ischemic stroke in adults who had a stroke at a young age.
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Targeted nanomedicine to protect the brain after stroke
A targeted drug-delivery approach aims to boost blood-brain barrier repair and reduce brain damage after an acute ischemic stroke in patients at risk.
-
How biological aging and blood proteins relate to thinking after a stroke
This project looks at whether measures of biological aging and patterns of blood proteins help explain which stroke survivors keep their thinking sharp and which go on to develop vascular dementia.
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Repurposing NEXLETOL to treat ischemic stroke
Aims to see if the cholesterol drug NEXLETOL can help people after an ischemic stroke by supporting brain energy use and reducing injury.
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.