Comparing Neuroprotective Drug Efficacy in Rodent Neonatal Brain Injury Models.

ABSTRACT:

Background

A challenge in preclinical neonatal neuroprotection research is implementation of study designs that enable direct comparison of multiple potentially effective drugs. We used adaptive design to test four FDA approved drugs (azithromycin, erythropoietin, caffeine, melatonin) concurrently and determine which best combined safety and efficacy.

Methods

Seven-day-old (P7) rats underwent hypoxia-ischemia (HI; right carotid ligation + timed 8% O₂ exposure); some experiments included pre-treatment with agents that induced inflammation, and some included post-HI brief moderate hypothermia. Sensorimotor and neuropathology measures were incorporated into a Composite Score that also accounted for deaths. Outcome was initially evaluated at P21 and in confirmatory st

SUBMITTER: Barks JDE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12458383 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature