Using Azithromycin to help prevent brain injury in premature infants
Repurposing Azithromycin for premature brain injury
This study is looking at whether giving the antibiotic Azithromycin to pregnant women or their premature babies can help protect tiny newborns from brain injuries and improve their development as they grow.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11035085 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the potential of Azithromycin, an antibiotic, to improve outcomes for premature infants at risk of brain injury. The study focuses on extremely low gestational age newborns (ELGANs), who are particularly vulnerable to neurodevelopmental impairments due to complications from prematurity. By leveraging Azithromycin's anti-inflammatory properties, the research aims to reduce inflammation and other harmful effects associated with preterm birth. The approach involves administering Azithromycin to pregnant women or directly to newborns to see if it can mitigate brain injury and improve long-term outcomes.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women at risk of delivering prematurely or infants born before 28 weeks of gestation.
Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or do not have a risk of brain injury due to prematurity may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved brain health and cognitive outcomes for premature infants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using anti-inflammatory treatments for brain injury in premature infants, suggesting potential for success with this approach.
Where this research is happening
Seattle, United States
- University of Washington — Seattle, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wood, Thomas — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: Wood, Thomas
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.