A new tool for quickly measuring a key protein to help detect pre-eclampsia in pregnant women.
Official title: Quantitative measurement of PlGF using a rapid, low-cost, point-of-care (POC) diagnostic platform for prediction and detection of pre-eclampsia
Funded at Ricovr Healthcare INC. · NIH-10820752 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a quick and easy test to check for a substance called Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) that helps predict pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, making it easier for doctors to spot and treat this serious condition early on.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 1 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Ricovr Healthcare INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Princeton, United States) |
| Project start | September 17, 2024 |
| Project end | September 16, 2025 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $295,895 |
| NIH project number | 1R43HL172410-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10820752 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women, particularly those at higher risk for pre-eclampsia due to factors such as race or socioeconomic status.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have risk factors for pre-eclampsia may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a rapid and affordable diagnostic tool to measure Placental Growth Factor (PlGF), which is crucial for predicting and detecting pre-eclampsia, a serious condition affecting pregnant women. The innovative platform uses a plasmonic fiber-optic absorbance biosensor to provide quantitative results in as little as ten minutes without the need for complex procedures. By improving the accuracy and accessibility of pre-eclampsia diagnostics, this research aims to address disparities in maternal healthcare and enhance early detection and treatment options for at-risk women.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to earlier and more accurate detection of pre-eclampsia, potentially reducing maternal and infant morbidity and mortality.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using biomarkers like PlGF for diagnosing pre-eclampsia, but this specific approach with a point-of-care device is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Ricovr Healthcare INC.
Princeton, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Seimetz, Joseph — Ricovr Healthcare INC.
- Study coordinator: Seimetz, Joseph
Related research
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Using mRNA lipid nanoparticles to treat pre-eclampsia
This study is testing a new way to treat pre-eclampsia during pregnancy by using tiny particles to deliver helpful messages to the placenta, with the goal of improving blood flow and lowering high blood pressure, so that both moms and babies can be healthier.
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Pre-eclampsia risk in pregnancies after oocyte donation
We will follow pregnant women who used donated eggs and women who used their own eggs to see if pregnancies after oocyte donation lead to a higher risk of pre-eclampsia.
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.