Darbepoetin and Iron for Preterm Infants to Reduce Transfusions and Support Brain Development
Official title: Trial of Darbepoetin plus slow-release intravenous iron to decrease transfusions and improve iron status and neurodevelopment in preterm infants
Funded at University of Washington · NIH-11137071 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This research explores if a combination of darbepoetin and slow-release iron can reduce the need for blood transfusions and support healthy brain development in very premature babies.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Washington NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Seattle, United States) |
| Project start | July 8, 2022 |
| Project end | June 30, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $506,655 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD107003-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11137071 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
This research is for very premature infants, specifically those born before 32 completed weeks of gestation.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not preterm infants or do not require blood transfusions would not directly benefit from this specific approach.
What this research studies
Preterm infants often need blood transfusions and can become iron deficient, both of which might affect their brain development. This project aims to find a better way to care for these tiny babies. We are looking at whether giving a medicine called darbepoetin along with a special slow-release iron can help them avoid transfusions. Our goal is to make sure these infants have enough iron for their growing brains while also minimizing their exposure to blood transfusions. This combined approach seeks to optimize their developmental outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could lead to fewer blood transfusions and better brain development for preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Darbepoetin has been shown to reduce transfusions, but combining it with slow-release intravenous iron to specifically address iron deficiency and neurodevelopment in this population is a focused new approach.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Washington
Seattle, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: German, Kendell — University of Washington
- Study coordinator: German, Kendell
Related research
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Darbepoetin and iron together to cut transfusions and boost brain development in preterm babies
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Using Darbepoetin and iron to reduce blood transfusions and improve brain development in preterm infants
This study is looking at how a medication called Darbepoetin, along with a special type of iron, can help preterm babies make more red blood cells and need fewer blood transfusions, which could help their brain development.
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.