A model to predict how substances affect the placenta and fetus
Official title: A synergistic in vitro-in silico model of the placental barrier for predicting fetal exposure and toxicity of xenobiotic compounds
Funded at Cfd Research Corporation · NIH-10847420 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is exploring how the placenta works to protect the baby during pregnancy and how different substances, like medications, can affect the baby, using a special lab model to help improve drug safety for moms and their little ones.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cfd Research Corporation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Huntsville, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2023 |
| Project end | December 31, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $836,497 |
| NIH project number | 5R44HD102269-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10847420 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals, particularly those in their third trimester, who may be exposed to various medications.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those in the early stages of pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates the placenta's role as a barrier between mother and fetus, focusing on how it transports various compounds. The team has developed a microfluidic model that mimics the placental barrier, allowing for the assessment of how different substances, including medications, can affect fetal exposure and toxicity. By integrating both in vitro (lab-based) and in silico (computer-based) approaches, the research aims to create a standardized tool for predicting maternal and fetal pharmacokinetics and toxicity. This could lead to better understanding and management of drug safety during pregnancy.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could enhance the safety of medications used during pregnancy by predicting their effects on the fetus.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown promise in using microfluidic models for studying placental transport, indicating a potential for success with this approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Cfd Research Corporation
Huntsville, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: German, Carrie — Cfd Research Corporation
- Study coordinator: German, Carrie
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
High-throughput brain organoid platform for drug screening and disease research
A new, automated platform will grow and test hundreds of brain organoids to study Alzheimer's disease and related conditions.
-
FertiliChip: a living fallopian tube model on a chip for women’s reproductive health
A tiny, vascularized fallopian tube-on-a-chip model is being developed to better study pelvic inflammatory disease and related reproductive health issues.
-
Uterus-on-a-Chip to Study Aging and Reproductive Health in Women
A women’s health project uses a tiny, human uterus model on a chip to study how aging and spaceflight might affect fertility and cancer risk.
-
Developing viruses to treat infections caused by mycobacteria.
This study is exploring a new treatment using special viruses that can help fight tough infections caused by mycobacteria, especially for people who haven't had success with regular antibiotics.
-
Controlled-release eczema bandage
A soft bandage that slowly releases a natural, microbiome-friendly compound to calm eczema flare-ups in children and adults.
-
Developing a new antibiotic to treat drug-resistant gonorrhea
This study is working on a new antibiotic to help fight gonorrhea, especially the tough strains that don't respond to current treatments, using a special natural product that has shown promise in the lab.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.