Abstract: Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) occurs when a baby is unable to grow normally due to receiving inadequate nutrients while developing in the womb. IUGR is a leading cause of perinatal death and long-term disability. The fetal brain is particularly vulnerable to IUGR conditions and adverse outcomes range from learning, attention and behavioral difficulties, to cerebral palsy. Due to medical advancements, more IUGR babies now survive, resulting in an even greater burden of disability. Many IUGR children require long-term medical care and support, and their families experience significant emotional stress and challenges. Currently there is no treatment available to protect the IUGR newborn brain and reduce these life-long burdens. While the development of strategies to reduce brain deficits in IUGR newborns have been proposed as in need of urgent research for several years, very few trials have been undertaken. Assessing long-term outcomes and thorough safety profiling of any treatment option is necessary prior to administering therapies to vulnerable newborns.