Project Grant R21NS145098

The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke awarded Barrow Neurological Institute at ST. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center $464,514 on August 15, 2026, under the Extramural Research Programs in the Neurosciences and Neurological Disorders program (CFDA 93.853, R21NS145098) to conduct initial safety and target-site evaluation of MNP-05, a manganese-porphyrin-based superoxide-dismutase mimic, for subarachnoid hemorrhage treatment.

The project addresses early and secondary brain injuries following subarachnoid hemorrhage, where oxidative stress and free radical overproduction drive neurological damage and poor patient outcomes. MNP-05 demonstrates superior blood-brain-barrier penetration and multifunctional anti-free-radical activities through superoxide-dismutase mimicry, lipid peroxidation reduction, glutathione peroxidase activity, and catalase activity, with a favorable toxicity profile. Preliminary pilot efficacy studies in young male mice showed promising short-term outcome improvements.

The research leverages combined expertise in preclinical cerebrovascular disease, drug development, pharmaceutical chemistry, and pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic assessment. The study design follows established preclinical guidelines and addresses prior translation gaps, including inadequate blood-brain-barrier penetration demonstration, absence of drug concentration and biological activity assessments at target sites, and reliance on young male animals in earlier work.

Performance of work occurs in Phoenix, Arizona. The period of performance runs through July 31, 2028.