A new drug could prevent secondary damage from a traumatic brain injury, research has found.

While the initial injury may not be that serious, it could trigger cellular events that then cause more damage to the brain.

Researchers found traumatic brain injury in rats involved the oxidation of mitochondrial membranes and developed the agent XJB-5-131 to prevent that oxidation.

There is currently no therapy for traumatic brain injury other than supportive care, however researchers hope this study drug could lead to a potential neuroprotective agent in the future.