Waixenicin A-based therapy for neonatal brain injury
Official title: Development of the waixenicin A pharmacophore as a therapeutic intervention for neonatal hypoxic brain injury
Funded at Baylor University · NIH-11064918 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new drug-like approach tests waixenicin A to help newborns who suffer brain injury from oxygen deprivation.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Baylor University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Waco, United States) |
| Project start | February 1, 2023 |
| Project end | April 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $254,751 |
| NIH project number | 4R33NS124922-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11064918 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Newborns with hypoxic-ischemic brain injury who might benefit from experimental therapies after birth.
✕Less likely to help
Very early research; the study may not directly benefit all infants treated with current standard care.
What this research studies
This project focuses on a condition that affects newborns and can lead to severe lifelong disabilities. It centers on a targeted drug that blocks a specific ion channel involved in brain injury after oxygen loss. Researchers will build on prior lab findings to refine the waixenicin A “pharmacophore” and test how it could protect the brain when given after birth. The work aims to move toward a therapy that complements current cooling treatment and broadens options for vulnerable infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer an additional treatment to reduce brain damage and improve outcomes for newborns at risk of long-term neurodevelopmental problems.
How similar studies have gone: There is a foundation of preclinical data on waixenicin A showing promise in models of brain injury, with ongoing exploration in translating to humans.
Where this research is happening
-
Baylor University
Waco, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Romo, Daniel — Baylor University
- Study coordinator: Romo, Daniel
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Waixenicin A-based therapy for newborn brain injury
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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.