Investigating the effects of CMV in breast milk on preterm infants
Official title: CMV+ milk: morbidity risk & translational potential of neutralizing antibodies
Funded at Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ · NIH-10950973 · Data updated 2026-11-12
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
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project start | August 5, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2024 |
| Award (this year) | $269,263 |
| NIH project number | 1R21HD115905-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-10950973 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include preterm infants who are at risk of postnatal CMV infection due to maternal CMV seropositivity.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are full-term infants or those whose mothers are CMV-negative may not receive benefits from this research.
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.
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 gone: 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
-
Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
New York, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Martin, Camilia R — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Martin, Camilia R
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.