Premature baby brain drug fails in large trial
NCT ID NCT01378273
First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This Phase 3 trial tested whether giving erythropoietin (Epo) soon after birth could reduce death or severe disability in extremely premature infants (born at 24-27 weeks). Over 900 babies were enrolled and followed until age 2. Unfortunately, Epo did not significantly lower the risk of death or severe neurodevelopmental impairment compared to placebo.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
Active substance
erythropoietin (Epo)
What this could lead to
If it worked, this could reduce the risk of death or severe developmental problems in extremely premature babies.
What could go wrong
This large Phase 3 trial found no significant benefit on the primary outcome. The treatment also carries risks like blood clots and high red blood cell counts.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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All Childrens Hospital
St. Petersburg, Florida, 33701, United States
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Beth Israel Deaconess Hospital
Boston, Massachusetts, 02215, United States
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Children's Hospital of Minnesota, MN
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55404, United States
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Children's Hospital of Minnesota, St. Paul
Saint Paul, Minnesota, 55102, United States
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Children's Hospital of the University of Illinois
Chicago, Illinois, 60612, United States
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Florida Hospital
Orlando, Florida, 32804, United States
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Johns Hopkins
Baltimore, Maryland, 21224, United States
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Maia Fareri Children's Hospital
Valhalla, New York, 10595, United States
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Methodist Children's Hospital
San Antonio, Texas, 78229, United States
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Prentice Women's Hospital
Chicago, Illinois, 60611, United States
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South Miami Hospital
Miami, Florida, 33146, United States
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University of Arkansas
Little Rock, Arkansas, 72202, United States
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University of Florida
Gainesville, Florida, 32610, United States
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University of Louisville
Louisville, Kentucky, 40202, United States
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University of Minnesota Amplatz Children's Hospital
Minneapolis, Minnesota, 55455, United States
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University of New Mexico Children's Hospital
Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, United States
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University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108, United States
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University of Washington
Seattle, Washington, 98195, United States
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Wake Forest School of Medicine
Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 27157, United States