Using nanoparticles to improve brain function after traumatic brain injury
Official title: Improving cognition in the chronic phase of traumatic brain injury with nanoparticles for nose-to-brain drug delivery
Funded at Veterans Health Administration · NIH-11056070 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help people with brain injuries by using tiny particles to deliver a drug directly to the brain through the nose, which might improve thinking and memory by reducing inflammation and damage in the brain.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Veterans Health Administration NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Columbia, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2024 |
| Project end | March 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| NIH project number | 5I21RX004645-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11056070 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are adults over 21 years old who have experienced repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries and are showing signs of cognitive impairment.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not experienced traumatic brain injuries or those with acute brain injuries may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of nanoparticles to deliver a drug called all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) directly to the brain through the nose, aiming to improve cognitive function in individuals who have suffered from repetitive mild traumatic brain injuries (TBI). The study focuses on understanding how ATRA can reduce inflammation and brain damage associated with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a condition that can develop after such injuries. By testing this approach in mice, researchers hope to establish a link between improved cognition and brain health, which could lead to new treatments for affected individuals. The methodology involves administering ATRA-NP to mice and assessing their cognitive abilities over time.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to new therapies that significantly enhance cognitive function in individuals suffering from the long-term effects of traumatic brain injuries.
How similar studies have gone: While the specific use of nanoparticles for nose-to-brain delivery of ATRA is novel, similar approaches in targeting brain conditions have shown promise in other studies.
Where this research is happening
-
Veterans Health Administration
Columbia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Gower, Robert Michael — Veterans Health Administration
- Study coordinator: Gower, Robert Michael
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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This project is looking at whether past traumatic brain injuries cause changes in blood vessels and raise the risk of heart disease for people who have had head injuries.
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Keeping oxygen in the injured brain after severe head trauma
This project uses a small brain oxygen monitor to guide ICU care for people with severe traumatic brain injury in hopes of improving recovery.
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.