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Brain Aneurysm Foundation Announces Its 2025 Research Grant Recipients

The Brain Aneurysm Foundation (BAF) has officially named the recipients of its prestigious research grants for 2025. With an impressive total of nearly $600,000 in funding, 14 academic researchers from various institutions across the United States are recognized for their groundbreaking projects geared towards enhancing the understanding and treatment of brain aneurysms. This initiative underscores the Foundation's unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes and advancing scientific knowledge in this critical area.

BAF stands as the preeminent private advocate for brain aneurysm research globally. This year, the funded projects include a diverse range of innovative approaches—from genome sequencing aimed at unraveling familial links to brain aneurysms, to the exploration of cellular pathways that might play a role in preventing ruptures. Additionally, several initiatives focus on repurposing existing medications for neurorepair and protection, highlighting the need for novel strategies to combat the often-fatal subarachnoid hemorrhages that arise from these conditions.

The announcement was made against a backdrop of increasing concern regarding the limited funding available for brain aneurysm research, particularly from federal institutions like the National Institutes of Health (NIH). "As NIH funding dwindles for brain aneurysm research, our ongoing support has become increasingly vital," stated Christine Buckley, the executive director of the BAF. She expressed pride in the Foundation’s efforts to ensure that essential research receives the necessary resources to evolve into effective treatments.

Currently, the funding for brain aneurysm research remains significantly lower compared to other neurological disorders and strokes, with estimates indicating less than $3 allocated for research for each individual affected by these conditions. The statistics are alarming; approximately 1 in every 50 individuals in the U.S. harbors an unruptured brain aneurysm, and over 30,000 rupture incidents are reported annually, with survival rates that are deeply concerning. Half of those ruptures result in fatalities, while nearly two-thirds of survivors face serious neurological impairments.

One of the grant recipients, Dr. Josh Abecassis, an associate professor at the University of Louisville, emphasized the importance of the funding: "The generous grant from BAF allows us to further our research into innovative diagnostic technologies and treatment methods, ensuring that we can provide patients with access to state-of-the-art care. Without BAF's support, much of this research would not be possible." His team is working on cutting-edge imaging techniques to assess the risk of aneurysm ruptures and create accessible imaging solutions to guide patient treatment decisions.

The BAF not only prioritizes research funding but also plays an essential role during September, designated as Brain Aneurysm Awareness Month. Throughout this period and beyond, the BAF commits to offering vital resources and support to patients, families, and caregivers. Recognizing the frequent misdiagnosis associated with the condition, the Foundation actively contributes to educational programs designed to heighten awareness of the symptoms and risk factors of potential ruptures, facilitating timely medical intervention when needed.

Dr. Michael T. Lawton, President and CEO of the Barrow Neurological Institute, reflected on the significance of academic research in progressing treatment solutions. "The advancements we have experienced over my three decades in practice can be attributed to the foundational research funded and supported by organizations like BAF. Their continued efforts are paramount in identifying and propelling innovative treatments that will drastically alter the landscape for patients affected by brain aneurysms."

2025 BAF Research Grant Recipients

1. FNU Ruchika, MBBS, Johns Hopkins University - High-Resolution Imaging of NET Mediated Vasospasm in SAH- Identifying a Therapeutic Window
2. Isaac Abecassis, M.D., University of Louisville - Modeling Jet Flow Impingement in Intracranial Aneurysms Using CFD, 4D Flow MRI and 3D Printing
3. John Hagan, PhD, UTHealth Houston - Whole Genome Sequencing to Identify Candidate Familial Intracranial Aneurysm Genes
4. Jose Javier Provencio, M.D., University of Virginia School of Medicine - Myeloperoxidase Inhibition in Blood and CSF of Patients with SAH
5. Zahra Hasanpour-Segherlou, M.D., University of Florida - Biliverdin Reductase-A as a Novel Therapeutic Strategy for Vasospasm Protection in SAH
6. Seon Kyu Lee, M.D., PhD, Montefiore Einstein - AI Assisted Multicompartment Cytokine Reactome Mapping in aSAH Patient with Vasospasm
7. Julian Clarke, M.D., University of Washington-Seattle - The Role of Brain Capillary Pericytes in Delayed Cerebral Ischemia After aSAH
8. Takuma Maeda, M.D., PhD, Barrow Neurological Institute - Blocking The PD-1/PD-L1 Axis to Prevent Intracranial Aneurysm Rupture
9. Peeyush Thakamani Pandit, UTHealth Houston - Repurposing Cancer Drug for Vascular Repair and Neuroprotection after SAH
10. Humberto Mestre, M.D., PhD, Mass General Hospital - Enhancing Glymphatic-Lymphatic Clearance to Treat SAH
11. Lei Huang, M.D., Loma Linda University - Role of Aberrant Piezo1 Signaling in Delayed Cerebral Ischemia after SAH
12. Patrick Fillingham, PhD, University of Washington - An Automated Computational Method for Evaluating Cerebral Aneurysm Coiling Strategies
13. Kerry Poppenberg, PhD, University at Buffalo - Morphological and Molecular Markers for IA Screening in Family History Patients
14. Devin McBride, PhD, UTHealth Houston - Role of Annexin After SAH

About the Brain Aneurysm Foundation

Headquartered in Hanover, Massachusetts, the Brain Aneurysm Foundation is recognized globally for its advocacy, education, and research funding initiatives aimed at improving awareness of brain aneurysms. Established in 1994, the organization collaborates with a Medical Advisory Board composed of more than 40 leading specialists in the field. The foundation's mission is integral in raising awareness of brain aneurysm symptoms, working to enhance patient support systems, and advancing research to save lives and improve outcomes.