Creating a 3D model of the feto-maternal interface to test drugs that may prevent preterm birth
Official title: 3-D biofabricated feto-maternal interface tissue model to determine drug efficacy during pregnancy to reduce the risk of preterm birth
Funded at University of Texas Med Br Galveston · NIH-10915205 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is creating a special 3D model of the connection between a mother and her baby to learn how different medications might affect pregnancy and help prevent early births, which could lead to better treatments for expectant moms.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Texas Med Br Galveston NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Galveston, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2022 |
| Project end | August 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $234,053 |
| NIH project number | 4UH3TR004117-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-10915205 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals at risk of preterm birth due to inflammatory responses or other related factors.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not have risk factors for preterm birth may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a 3D biofabricated model of the feto-maternal interface to better understand how drugs can affect pregnancy and potentially reduce the risk of preterm birth. By using primary human cells, the researchers aim to create a high-throughput tissue chip that allows for extensive testing of various drugs to see how they interact with the feto-maternal interface. This model addresses the limitations of current testing methods, which often do not accurately reflect human responses. Patients may benefit from this research as it could lead to more effective treatments for preventing preterm birth.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved drug therapies that significantly reduce the incidence of preterm birth.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has shown promise in using tissue models for drug testing, but this specific approach using a 3D bioprinted feto-maternal interface is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
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University of Texas Med Br Galveston
Galveston, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Menon, Ramkumar — University of Texas Med Br Galveston
- Study coordinator: Menon, Ramkumar
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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3-D bioprinted feto-maternal tissue model to test pregnancy drugs
A high-throughput 3D tissue model of the feto-maternal interface is being built to screen drugs for safety and effectiveness in pregnancy.
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IL-9 Signaling and Immune-Driven Preterm Birth
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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.