A new device to measure hepcidin in urine for detecting iron deficiency in children and teens

Novel Point-of-Care Device for Urinary Hepcidin to Detect Iron Deficiency in Children and Adolescents

NIH-funded research Intrinsic Lifesciences, LLC · NIH-10709598

This study is testing a new, easy-to-use device that helps doctors quickly check for iron deficiency in kids and teens by measuring a substance in their urine, so they can get the help they need to grow and develop properly.

Quick facts

Grant typeSbir 2 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionIntrinsic Lifesciences, LLC NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (La Jolla, United States)
Project IDNIH-10709598 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on developing a non-invasive point-of-care device that measures urinary hepcidin levels to diagnose iron deficiency in children and adolescents. Iron deficiency is a significant health issue that can affect cognitive and physical development, even in the absence of anemia. The proposed device aims to provide pediatricians with a reliable and easy-to-use tool to assess iron status quickly. By quantifying urinary hepcidin normalized to urinary creatinine, the device could facilitate timely interventions for affected children.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include children and adolescents who may be at risk for iron deficiency, particularly those showing signs of cognitive or physical developmental issues.

Not a fit: Patients who are not children or adolescents, or those who do not exhibit symptoms of iron deficiency, may not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate diagnoses of iron deficiency in children, improving their health outcomes and development.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown that measuring hepcidin levels can effectively indicate iron status, suggesting that this approach has potential for success.

Where this research is happening

La Jolla, 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.