A New Anti-Inflammatory Approach to Delay Preterm Birth

IL-10 Delivery Using Extracellular Vesicles to Delay Preterm Birth

NIH-funded research University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-11159423

This research explores a new way to deliver an anti-inflammatory protein to mothers and babies to help prevent early births.

Quick facts

Grant typeR01 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionUniversity of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Galveston, United States)
Project IDNIH-11159423 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

Preterm birth is a major global health concern, leading to many complications and deaths for newborns. Current treatments often don't address the inflammation that can affect both the mother and the baby, which is a key trigger for early labor. Our team is working on a new method using tiny natural carriers, called extracellular vesicles, to deliver a powerful anti-inflammatory protein directly. This approach aims to reduce inflammation in both the mother and the developing baby, potentially delaying preterm birth and improving outcomes.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: This research is foundational for future treatments aimed at pregnant individuals at risk for preterm birth due to inflammation.

Not a fit: Patients not at risk for preterm birth or those with other causes of early labor may not directly benefit from this specific anti-inflammatory approach.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could offer a new way to reduce the risk of preterm birth and its associated health problems for both mothers and infants.

How similar studies have performed: Our laboratory has already shown promising results in lab tests and mouse models, demonstrating that this method can reduce inflammation and delay preterm birth.

Where this research is happening

Galveston, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.