Research has suggested that progesterone, a hormone normally found in our bodies, could also be used to protect damaged brain tissue.
In March, scientists will begin a phase III clinical trial. They say the drug could save patients’ lives and reduce brain damage. The trial will involved 1,000 patients with brain damage in 17 trauma centers across the United States over a six year period.
A previous study of 100 patients showed that progesterone injections, given soon after a head injury, safely reduced the risk of death and long-term disability.
The ProTECT III study will be lead by scientists from Emory University. ProTECT Overview.
In the U.S. an estimated 2 million Americans sustain a traumatic brain injury, or TBI, leading to 50,000 deaths and 235,000 hospitalizations annually.
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