Elastomeric membranes for safer pelvic organ prolapse repair
Official title: Overcoming complications of polypropylene prolapse meshes: Development of novel elastomeric membranes
Funded at University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh · NIH-11668074 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new 3D-printed elastomeric membrane made from polycarbonate urethane is being tested to replace stiff polypropylene meshes for pelvic organ prolapse in women, aiming to reduce complications.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, United States) |
| Project start | July 30, 2025 |
| Project end | April 30, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $678,530 |
| NIH project number | 6R01HD097187-08 |
| Project ID | NIH-11668074 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates are individuals requiring pelvic organ prolapse repair who are at risk for mesh-related complications and could benefit from softer, biocompatible implants.
✕Less likely to help
Patients not needing mesh implants or those unlikely to benefit from a vaginally compatible elastomeric membrane may see no direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on designing a softer, more vagina-friendly membrane for pelvic organ prolapse repair using 3D-printed elastomeric materials. It builds on earlier work showing that current polypropylene meshes can cause degeneration and poor outcomes, and it will test full-length elastomeric membranes in a nonhuman primate surgical model. The researchers plan rapid prototyping with 3D printing and in-depth evaluation of host tissue response to the new membranes. If successful, the approach could lead to safer, more durable repairs with fewer complications for patients who need prolapse surgery.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients could have safer, more compatible implants that reduce complications and improve long-term outcomes after prolapse repair.
How similar studies have gone: Preclinical work showed better tissue response to elastomeric membranes than to stiff polypropylene meshes, with proof-of-concept promising but needing full-length in vivo data.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moalli, Pamela a. — University of Pittsburgh at Pittsburgh
- Study coordinator: Moalli, Pamela a.
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.