Darbepoetin Exposure and Lung Health in Preterm Children
Official title: Darbepoetin Exposure and Preterm Respiratory Outcomes, Oscillometry, and Function Study (DarbE-PROOF Study)
Funded at University of Alabama at Birmingham · NIH-11453046 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study follows children who were born very preterm to see if early exposure to darbepoetin affects their lung health and breathing at early school age.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Alabama at Birmingham NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Birmingham, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $754,328 |
| NIH project number | 1R01HL182817-01A1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11453046 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Children aged approximately 6 to 8 years who were born extremely preterm and were part of prior darbepoetin trials or related cohorts.
✕Less likely to help
Some children may not experience measurable improvements in lung function from neonatal darbepoetin exposure.
What this research studies
Children who survived extremely preterm birth are being studied to understand long-term lung function. The study will measure how early darbepoetin exposure might influence lung mechanics and breathing outcomes around 6 to 8 years of age, using noninvasive oscillometry and functional tests. It builds on prior trials that suggested potential lung protection from darbepoetin, and it will compare those exposed to placebo in neonatal care. Researchers will also use refined definitions for neonatal lung disease and track post-prematurity respiratory outcomes. This work aims to clarify whether early treatment has lasting benefits for respiratory health in vulnerable children.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, findings could guide safer, more effective approaches to protect lung health in children born extremely preterm.
How similar studies have gone: Prior trials showed reduced severe lung disease in infancy, suggesting potential long-term respiratory benefits that this study seeks to extend.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Travers, Colm Peter — University of Alabama at Birmingham
- Study coordinator: Travers, Colm Peter
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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.