Effects of metformin during pregnancy on fetal development and long-term health
Official title: Metformin in Pregnancy: Fetal Consequences & Long-term offspring Outcomes in a NHP model
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-11075494 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how taking metformin, a diabetes medication, during pregnancy might affect the growth and health of babies, helping us understand if it could lead to issues like obesity or insulin resistance as they grow up.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | April 19, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $1,731,929 |
| NIH project number | 7R01DK128187-04 |
| Project ID | NIH-11075494 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women who are prescribed metformin for conditions like gestational diabetes or polycystic ovary syndrome.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who do not use metformin are unlikely to benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how metformin, a medication commonly used for diabetes, affects fetal development and long-term health outcomes in offspring when taken by mothers during pregnancy. Using a non-human primate model, the study will compare the effects of metformin exposure versus a placebo from pre-pregnancy through lactation. The goal is to understand if metformin contributes to obesity and insulin resistance in children as they grow. This research aims to provide insights into the safety of metformin use in pregnant women and its implications for child health.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to better guidelines for the use of metformin in pregnant women, ensuring healthier outcomes for both mothers and their children.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research has indicated potential risks associated with metformin use during pregnancy, but this specific approach using a non-human primate model is novel.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kievit, Paul — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Kievit, Paul
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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.