Creating a non-invasive test to identify causes of preterm birth
Official title: Development of Non-invasive Liquid Biopsy Screening Tool for Preterm Birth Causes and Consequences
Funded at Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation · NIH-10802951 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is working on a simple blood test that can help find out if pregnant women are at risk for preterm birth and other related issues, so they can get the right care early on for a healthier pregnancy.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | August 13, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $717,871 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HD110579-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-10802951 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include expectant mothers who are at risk of preterm birth or related complications during their pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who have already experienced preterm birth without ongoing pregnancies may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research aims to develop a non-invasive liquid biopsy tool that can detect and predict the causes of preterm birth (PTB) and related conditions like preeclampsia and intrauterine growth restriction. By analyzing cell-free DNA from maternal blood, the study seeks to identify at-risk expectant mothers early in their pregnancy, which could lead to better management and outcomes. The approach utilizes advanced analytical methods to interpret the biological information contained in the DNA, focusing on epigenomic changes that indicate potential complications. This innovative method could transform prenatal care by providing timely insights into maternal and fetal health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve early detection and management of preterm birth, potentially saving lives and reducing complications for both mothers and infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research in non-invasive prenatal testing has shown promising results, indicating that this approach could be effective in identifying at-risk pregnancies.
Where this research is happening
-
Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Peters, David Gerard — Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
- Study coordinator: Peters, David Gerard
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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.