Darbepoetin and iron together to cut transfusions and boost brain development in preterm babies
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-11358256 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study tests whether giving darbepoetin with slow-release iron to critically preterm infants reduces blood transfusions and supports healthier iron levels and brain development.
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 | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $503,980 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD107003-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11358256 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Infants born very preterm (less than 32 weeks gestation) who require or are at risk for iron deficiency and transfusion.
✕Less likely to help
Infants not born preterm or those without anemia or transfusion needs may not benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
This project focuses on very preterm babies who often need transfusions and can become iron deficient, which may affect brain development. It will test a combined treatment of darbepoetin and slow-release iron to keep transfusion needs low while ensuring adequate iron for growth. Researchers will monitor transfusion events, iron status, and neurodevelopmental outcomes as the babies grow, using careful dosing and safety checks. The goal is to create a practical treatment pathway that improves both short-term and long-term health for these infants.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce transfusions, lower iron-related complications, and support better neurodevelopment in preterm infants.
How similar studies have gone: Prior work suggests darbepoetin can reduce transfusions in preterm infants, but combined iron management aims to optimize brain development and iron sufficiency.
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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Understanding brain nutrition for very preterm infants
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Darbepoetin and Iron for Preterm Infants to Reduce Transfusions and Support Brain Development
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.
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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.