New research project aims to treat patients with secondary brain damage The Universities of Birmingham and Cambridge have launched a new research project aimed at discovering if selective P2X7 receptor blocker drugs can be repurposed to treat patients with secondary brain damage. Funded by almost £1 million from the Medical Research Council, the project will be carried out in two phases over the next three years. The leading cause of death and disability in those aged under 40, traumatic brain injury costs the UK economy an estimated £8 billion per year. Mortality rates are high and many who survive suffer life-long disability, however there are currently no approved drugs available in the clinic to reduce the impact of such injuries on patients.