NIH-funded research R21 grant

Hypoxia-responsive lipid nanoparticles to balance placental factors in preeclampsia

Official title: Hypoxia-Responsive Lipid Nanoparticles for Regulation of Angiogenesis as a Therapeutic Strategy for Preeclampsia

Funded at Rowan University · NIH-11304911 · Data updated 2026-11-12

Aims to use tiny, targeted particles that release messages to the placenta to help restore healthy blood vessel growth in pregnancies affected by preeclampsia.

More Hypoxia research and trials

Quick facts

Grant typeR21 grant
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionRowan University
NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Glassboro, United States)
Project startSeptember 1, 2026
Project endAugust 31, 2028
Funding year2026
Award (this year)$408,380
NIH project number1R21HD118230-01A1
Project IDNIH-11304911 on NIH RePORTER

Who could benefit from this research

Could help

Pregnant individuals at risk for or diagnosed with preeclampsia, under obstetric care

Less likely to help

Pregnant individuals without preeclampsia or those outside the targeted gestational window may not benefit

What this research studies

Preeclampsia can endanger both mother and baby by causing high blood pressure and poor blood flow in the placenta. This project uses lipid nanoparticles that respond to low-oxygen conditions to deliver genetic material that nudges the placenta to promote healthy angiogenesis. The approach focuses on balancing harmful and helpful signals (like sFlt-1 and PlGF) to improve placental function. It emphasizes safety and feasibility in pregnancy while exploring a new therapeutic strategy. If successful, this could reduce complications and the need for early delivery related to preeclampsia.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: Potentially safer, more effective management of preeclampsia that could improve outcomes for mothers and babies.

How similar studies have gone: Other studies have explored placental targeting and angiogenesis, but this specific LNP-delivery of PlGF modulation in pregnancy is innovative and early-stage

Where this research is happening

  • Rowan University
    Glassboro, United States
    Active

Researchers

  • Principal investigator: Riley, Rachel — Rowan University
  • Study coordinator: Riley, Rachel

Related research

Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.

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    NIH research Washington University · Saint Louis, United States · NIH-9960958

  • HIF-driven ways to repair damaged lungs in IPF

    A doctor-researcher is testing how low-oxygen signals (HIF) could help restore healthy lung tissue in people with IPF.

    NIH research University of Colorado Denver · Aurora, UNITED STATES · NIH-11577275

  • Ethical, multimodal AI for predicting preeclampsia risk in early pregnancy

    A data-driven AI tool uses early-pregnancy information from medical records, ultrasound, and notes to predict preeclampsia risk and support safer pregnancy care.

    NIH research Brigham and Women's Hospital · Boston, United States · NIH-11556765

  • Placental support cells and fetal red blood cell quality in preeclampsia

    This grant studies how placental support cells in preeclampsia affect the development and quality of a baby’s red blood cells.

    NIH research University of Mississippi Med Ctr · Jackson, United States · NIH-11545411

  • Epigenetic clues to preeclampsia in pregnancy

    This grant explores how epigenetic changes and paternal factors may contribute to preeclampsia, a condition that can affect pregnancy health.

    NIH research University of Mississippi Med Ctr · Jackson, United States · NIH-11545399

  • Neonatal Brain Injury Protection with New Purine Compounds

    A new medication approach using purine derivatives is being studied to protect newborn brains from injury caused by limited blood flow and oxygen during birth.

    NIH research Women and Infants Hospital-Rhode Island · Providence, United States · NIH-11541249

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.
Last reviewed 2026-11-14 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.