Investigating how Mpox virus affects pregnancy and potential treatments
Official title: Vertical transmission, pregnancy outcomes and treatment of Mpox virus infection in a translational pregnant macaque model
Funded at University of Wisconsin-Madison · NIH-11039962 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how the Mpox virus affects pregnancy, especially in the early stages, by testing if it can be passed from mother to baby and if it causes any problems, while also checking if an antiviral medicine can help improve outcomes for pregnant people who might be exposed to the virus.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Wisconsin-Madison NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Madison, United States) |
| Project start | February 19, 2024 |
| Project end | December 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $746,073 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AI182082-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11039962 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals in their first trimester who may be at risk of Mpox virus infection.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not pregnant or those who are in later stages of pregnancy may not receive benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on understanding the impact of Mpox virus infection on pregnancy outcomes, particularly in the first trimester. Using a preclinical model with pregnant macaques, the study aims to determine if the virus can be transmitted from mother to fetus and the rate of adverse pregnancy outcomes associated with the infection. Additionally, it will evaluate whether the antiviral drug tecovirimat can improve these outcomes when administered early during pregnancy. This research is crucial for informing clinical management of pregnant individuals exposed to Mpox virus.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved treatment protocols for pregnant individuals infected with Mpox virus, potentially reducing adverse pregnancy outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Other research has shown success in using preclinical models to study viral infections during pregnancy, suggesting that this approach could yield valuable insights.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Madison, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mohr, Emma L — University of Wisconsin-Madison
- Study coordinator: Mohr, Emma L
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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.