A new treatment for vaginal issues related to menopause
Official title: Regenerative biomaterial for combating genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11187044 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing a new treatment using a special gel to help relieve dryness and discomfort for women going through menopause, aiming to make them feel more comfortable and improve their vaginal health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $467,837 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG086776-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11187044 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are perimenopausal and menopausal women suffering from genitourinary syndrome of menopause.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not experiencing symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause or who are not in the perimenopausal or menopausal stages may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel regenerative therapy to address genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), a condition affecting many perimenopausal and menopausal women. The approach involves using a tissue-derived hydrogel that can be applied topically to repair atrophic vaginal tissue, aiming to alleviate symptoms such as dryness, discomfort, and pain. The study will evaluate the effectiveness of this therapy in promoting cell growth and improving tissue health, providing a potentially safe and accessible option for women suffering from GSM.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a much-needed effective treatment option for women experiencing debilitating symptoms of menopause-related vaginal issues.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise with similar regenerative therapies, indicating potential for success in this novel approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alperin, Marianna — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Alperin, Marianna
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Understanding how vaginal tissue changes after menopause affect reproductive health
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PREMAP: Predictors of Menopause-Related Psychosis
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How vaginal lipids, antioxidants, and protective molecules affect menopause-related genitourinary symptoms across races
Researchers are tracking vaginal and blood chemicals in postmenopausal women of different races to learn how lipid, antioxidant, and osmoprotectant molecules relate to genitourinary menopause symptoms.
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Menopause, Hormone Therapy, and HIV Risk in Cervical M mucosa
This project looks at how menopause and menopause hormone therapy may change the immune guard in the cervix, potentially affecting HIV risk for aging women.
-
Menopause, brain health, and aging: how hormones shape risk for dementia
This project looks at how menopause and hormone therapy affect brain aging and dementia risk in women.
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.