Targeting the P2X7 receptor to control neuroinflammation and prevent post-traumatic epilepsy

The Defense Health Agency (DHA) awarded $689,707 to the Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland (RCSI) under the Military Medical Research and Development program (CFDA 12.420) for the project "Targeting the P2X7 Receptor to Control Neuroinflammation and Prevent Post-Traumatic Epilepsy." The award was obligated on August 1, 2025, with a performance period extending through July 31, 2028. This research initiative focuses on investigating the P2X7 receptor as a therapeutic target to mitigate neuroinflammatory responses and prevent the development of post-traumatic epilepsy, conditions of significant relevance to military personnel exposed to traumatic brain injuries.

As a registered international research institution, RCSI will conduct advanced biomedical research employing sophisticated scientific methodologies to develop potential therapeutic interventions addressing neurological disease prevention. The project aligns with the Military Medical Research and Development program's mandate to support hypothesis-driven research aimed at transforming healthcare for service members and the broader public through innovative solutions for battlefield-relevant medical challenges.