Investigating the effects of CMV in breast milk on preterm infants

CMV+ milk: morbidity risk & translational potential of neutralizing antibodies

['FUNDING_R21'] · WEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV · NIH-10950973

This study is looking at how the virus found in breast milk can affect preterm babies and is testing a way to make that milk safer by adding special antibodies to help protect them from getting sick.

Quick facts

Phase['FUNDING_R21']
Study typeNih_funding
SexAll
SponsorWEILL MEDICAL COLL OF CORNELL UNIV (nih funded)
Locations1 site (NEW YORK, UNITED STATES)
Trial IDNIH-10950973 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this research studies

This research focuses on understanding how cytomegalovirus (CMV) present in breast milk affects preterm infants. It aims to develop strategies to reduce the risk of postnatal CMV infection by testing the addition of neutralizing antibodies to CMV-positive breast milk. The study will evaluate how these antibodies can minimize infection and improve health outcomes for preterm infants. Researchers will also analyze the differences in the composition of CMV-positive and CMV-negative milk and its implications for neonatal health.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research include preterm infants who are at risk of postnatal CMV infection due to maternal CMV seropositivity.

Not a fit: Patients who are full-term infants or those whose mothers are CMV-negative may not receive benefits from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly reduce the risk of CMV infections in preterm infants, leading to better health outcomes.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using neutralizing antibodies to combat viral infections, suggesting potential success for this novel approach.

Where this research is happening

NEW YORK, UNITED STATES

Researchers

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 below.

View on NIH RePORTER →

Last reviewed 2026-05-15 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.