Targeting the blood brain barrier (BBB) for the treatment of newborn brain injury

CIs: Bjorkman, Colditz; NHMRC1147545 $358k 2018-20; NHMRC1145450 $954k 2018-21; RCHF $240k 2017-20; RCHF $56k 2017-20

Aims: To examine therapies (ibuprofen, stem cells, curcumin) that target the BBB as a way to reduce or prevent neonatal brain injury due to prematurity, HIE, IUGR using MRI/MRS.

Mechanism: Anti-inflammatory & trophic.

New Knowledge: Pre-clinical study in piglets will test how to modulate the BBB to reduce injury and improve outcomes.