PROTECTING BRAIN FUNCTION AFTER BATTLE INJURY
A New Approach Using Integrin  α9 Inhibitors

OPERATIONAL RELEVANCE

Trauma-induced brain hemorrhage is a serious risk for military personnel and can result in long-term issues with memory, focus, and processing speed. These impairments reduce operational readiness and quality of life. Currently, there are no approved pharmacological treatments that directly protect cognitive function after this type of injury. Our research offers a new solution: small-molecule inhibitors that block integrin α9 — a key driver of damaging inflammation — to preserve brain function and improve recovery.

TECHNOLOGY SUMMARY

Our technology targets integrin α9, a protein on activated neutrophils that enables them to stick to blood vessel walls and migrate into the brain following injury. After a hemorrhagic brain injury, these immune cells are among the first responders. But excessive infiltration leads to inflammation that damages brain tissue and impairs memory, attention, and processing speed. By inhibiting integrin α9, we block this harmful response — reducing brain inflammation and supporting better cognitive recovery.

MILITARY-ALIGNED BENEFITS

• Enhances cognitive readiness and mission effectiveness by preserving memory, attention, and processing speed — key functions for training, operations, and decision-making
• Fills a critical treatment gap in brain hemorrhage care, offering the first targeted pharmacologic approach to reduce long-term cognitive decline in military populations
• Improves long-term outcomes for active-duty and veteran service members by reducing the disability burden of traumatic brain injury and supporting full recovery

USE SCENARIOS

• Battlefield/forward-deployed care: Could be administered early to limit brain damage right after 
  injury
• Combat support hospitals (Role 3): Adds value to current protocols for patients with brain trauma
• Medical evacuation: Early treatment during transit may prevent worsening of brain injury
• Post-injury rehabilitation: Early inflammation control may improve cognitive rehab success

TECHNOLOGY READINESS & IP

• Technology ID: LSUHSC-S-2023-023
• Technology Readiness Level (TRL): 3 Preclinical proof-of-concept studies in progress
• Patent Status: Patent Pending

COLLABORATION OPPORTUNITY

We are seeking partners to:

• Co-develop integrin α9 inhibitors for field and clinical use
• Advance IND-enabling studies and formulation development
• Collaborate through CRADA, SBIR/STTR, or military brain health initiatives