Southwest Research Institute (SwRI) and Trinity University have begun work on a new intranasal therapy for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The initiative focuses on developing a drug-device combination using oxytocin, a hormone linked to human bonding and stress relief.
PTSD affects individuals who have experienced trauma, including veterans and abuse survivors. Symptoms can include ongoing stress, sleep problems, irritability, and aggressive behavior.
The current project builds upon previous collaboration between SwRI and Trinity University in which oxytocin was studied as a treatment for alcoholism relapse. In that earlier effort, SwRI helped create liposome-based formulations of oxytocin designed for targeted delivery in the body.
Jasmine Jaramillo from SwRI will co-lead efforts to develop new oxytocin formulations and delivery systems. "Our team will also advance analytical techniques to characterize formulations and devices that will benefit future research," said Jaramillo.
Trinity researchers are responsible for testing the intranasal devices and drug combinations on animal models displaying PTSD-like behaviors. The data collected will guide improvements to the therapy’s effectiveness and acceptability.
Dr. Kah-Chung Leong, associate professor at Trinity University’s Department of Psychology, commented: "This project will enhance the collaborative environment between SwRI and Trinity and opens the door for further advancements in biomedical research here in San Antonio."
Funding comes from the first round of grants under the Trinity-SwRI Research Collaboration Grant Program. In 2025, both institutions provided $250,000 for three health-related projects.
"Trinity University is thrilled to be collaborating with SwRI, and we look forward to exciting results from this collaboration," said Dr. David Ribble, Dean of the D. R. Semmes School of Science.
"We are proud to launch this new focused grant program to grow Trinity and SwRI collaborations, provide opportunities for Trinity students and advance medical breakthroughs that may one day improve and even save lives," said Dr. Joe McDonough, vice president of the Chemistry and Chemical Engineering Division at SwRI.
