Could a single dose of valproic acid help heal the brain after injury?

NCT ID NCT07166393

Not yet recruiting Disease control Sponsor: Northwestern University Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 26, 2026 · Last updated Aug 14, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study tests whether a single dose of valproic acid, given soon after a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury, can improve patients' recovery and reduce disability. About 432 adults aged 18 to 65 will be randomly assigned to receive either valproic acid (at a low or high dose) or a placebo, alongside standard care. The main goal is to see if the drug leads to better outcomes on a scale that measures recovery from death to full independence.

What this could mean

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

Active substance: valproic acid
What this could lead to: If it works, this could point toward a simple, one-dose treatment to improve recovery and reduce disability after a traumatic brain injury.
What could go wrong: This is an early-to-mid stage trial, so the drug may not prove effective. Valproic acid also has known side effects, including liver problems and bleeding risk, which could limit its use.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

Brain Injuries, Traumatic traumatic brain injury

As listed by the trial registrant

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

MODERATE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY (TBI) SEVERE TRAUMATIC BRAIN INJURY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Medical College of Wisconsin

Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53226, United States
Oregon Health & Science University

Portland, Oregon, 97239, United States
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama, 35294, United States
University of Arizona

Tucson, Arizona, 85719-4824, United States
University of California, Davis

Sacramento, California, 95817, United States
University of Southern California

Los Angeles, California, 90089-0701, United States
University of Texas Southwestern

Dallas, Texas, 75390, United States
Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Nashville, Tennessee, 37232, United States

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