Creating bioengineered tissues to help reconstruct the uterus
Bioengineered Tissues For Uterine Reconstruction
['FUNDING_R01'] · WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES · NIH-11009986
This study is exploring a new way to help women who can't get pregnant due to issues with their uterus by creating lab-grown tissues that work like a real uterus, and they're testing this approach in monkeys to see if it can support pregnancy and childbirth.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11009986 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing bioengineered tissues for uterine reconstruction, particularly for women facing uterine-factor infertility. The approach involves using autologous cells to create tissue constructs that mimic the natural structure and function of the uterus. By testing these constructs in a preclinical model of old-world monkeys, the research aims to evaluate their effectiveness in supporting pregnancy and childbirth. This innovative method seeks to overcome challenges associated with donor tissue shortages and immunologic complications.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are women experiencing infertility due to uterine conditions such as Asherman syndrome or adenomyosis.
Not a fit: Patients who do not have uterine-factor infertility or those with other infertility causes unrelated to uterine structure may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a new treatment option for women with uterine-factor infertility, potentially enabling them to achieve pregnancy.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of bioengineered tissues is a novel approach, preliminary studies in animal models have shown promising results, indicating potential for success in human applications.
Where this research is happening
WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES
- WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES — WINSTON-SALEM, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: ATALA, ANTHONY — WAKE FOREST UNIVERSITY HEALTH SCIENCES
- Study coordinator: ATALA, ANTHONY
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 below.
Conditions: Asherman Syndrome