Effects of metformin on placental function and fetal development
Official title: Metformin Effects Placental Trophoblast Function
Funded at Oregon Health & Science University · NIH-10778217 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the diabetes medication metformin impacts important cells in the placenta that help your baby grow, especially for women who have gestational diabetes, to better understand how it might affect pregnancy and your baby's health.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Oregon Health & Science University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Portland, United States) |
| Project start | February 10, 2023 |
| Project end | January 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $231,000 |
| NIH project number | 5R21HD108853-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-10778217 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include pregnant women diagnosed with gestational diabetes as well as those without this condition, particularly those interested in the effects of diabetes medications on pregnancy.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those without any form of diabetes may not receive direct benefits from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates how metformin, a common diabetes medication, affects the function of placental cells called trophoblasts, which are crucial for fetal growth. The study will analyze changes in the genetic and molecular profiles of these cells when exposed to metformin, particularly in pregnancies complicated by gestational diabetes. By understanding these effects, the research aims to clarify the potential benefits and risks of metformin use during pregnancy, especially regarding fetal development and birth outcomes.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved understanding of how metformin influences fetal growth and development, potentially guiding safer treatment options for pregnant women with diabetes.
How similar studies have gone: Previous studies have shown varying effects of metformin on pregnancy outcomes, indicating that this area of research is both relevant and necessary for further exploration.
Where this research is happening
-
Oregon Health & Science University
Portland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Valent, Amy Miyoshi — Oregon Health & Science University
- Study coordinator: Valent, Amy Miyoshi
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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.