NIH-funded research NIH-funded research

A new method to prevent preterm birth using a vaginal drug delivery system.

Official title: N,N-Dimethylacetamide Vaginal Self-nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System for the Prevention or Preterm Birth

Funded at St. John's University · NIH-11092332 · Data updated 2026-11-12

This study is testing a new way to deliver a treatment that could help prevent preterm birth by reducing inflammation, and it's designed for pregnant individuals who are at risk of having their babies too early.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionSt. John's University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Queens, United States)
Project startMay 11, 2022
Project endApril 30, 2026
Funding year2025
Award (this year)$164,000
NIH project number5R16GM145586-04
Project IDNIH-11092332 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals at risk of preterm birth, particularly those with a history of preterm deliveries or signs of inflammation.

Less likely to help

Patients who are not pregnant or those who have no risk factors for preterm birth may not benefit from this research.

What this research studies

This research investigates a novel vaginal self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system that utilizes N,N-dimethylacetamide (DMA) to prevent preterm birth. The approach focuses on reducing inflammation, which is a major cause of preterm birth, by using DMA to inhibit certain inflammatory pathways. The study aims to develop a safe and effective method for delivering this treatment directly to the site of action, potentially improving outcomes for pregnant individuals at risk of preterm birth.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the incidence of preterm births, leading to better health outcomes for newborns and lower healthcare costs for families and society.

How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using DMA for preventing preterm birth in animal models, but this specific approach is novel and has not yet been tested in human subjects.

Where this research is happening

  • St. John's University
    Queens, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Reznik, Sandra Eve — St. John's University
  • Study coordinator: Reznik, Sandra Eve

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 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.