Viagra for the brain? new trial tests sildenafil in chronic TBI patients

NCT ID NCT05782244

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This Phase 2 trial tests whether sildenafil citrate (the drug in Viagra) can improve blood vessel function in the brain of people who had a traumatic brain injury (TBI) at least 6 months ago. Researchers will give different doses (20, 40, or 80 mg) or a placebo to 160 adults aged 18-70. The main goal is to find the best dose for improving brain blood flow, while also checking safety and whether it helps with long-term symptoms.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance

sildenafil citrate (Viagra)

What this could lead to

If successful, this could point toward a treatment to improve brain blood vessel function and potentially reduce long-term symptoms after traumatic brain injury.

What could go wrong

This is an early Phase 2 trial with only 160 participants, so results may not apply to everyone. Sildenafil can cause side effects like headache, flushing, and low blood pressure.

Disclaimer Read more

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.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Sign up to get updates when this study changes or when new studies for TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY are added.

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Brain Injuries, Traumatic dementia pugilistica traumatic brain injury

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

Contacts and locations

Study contacts

  • Contact

    Phone: •••-•••-•••• Email: •••••@•••••

Locations

  • University of Pennsylvania

    RECRUITING

    Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States

    Contact Email: •••••@•••••

    Contact