Matrix Regenerative Nanotech to Slow Pelvic Organ Prolapse in Adults
Official title: Matrix Regenerative Nanotherapeutic Platform for Pelvic Organ Prolapse
Funded at Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru · NIH-11399996 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new nanoparticle-based treatment aims to slow pelvic organ prolapse in adults by reconnecting and strengthening elastic tissue to improve quality of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Cleveland, United States) |
| Project start | September 1, 2025 |
| Project end | August 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $657,473 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD119910-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11399996 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults 21 years and older with early-stage pelvic organ prolapse who are potential candidates for non-surgical interventions.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with advanced-stage prolapse or who require immediate surgical management may derive less direct benefit.
What this research studies
This project tests a biodegradable nanomaterial-drug complex designed to reinforce elastic fibers in pelvic tissues and reduce tissue breakdown that leads to prolapse. Researchers will adapt their first-generation fNDCs to the prolapse setting and study how doxycycline and the nanomaterial work together to promote tissue repair without surgery. The work focuses on understanding how these therapies affect key signaling pathways and proteolytic processes involved in pelvic tissue degeneration. If successful, the approach could offer a non-surgical option to slow or prevent progression in early-stage POP.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, patients may gain a non-surgical option to slow POP progression and preserve pelvic tissue function.
How similar studies have gone: Prior studies suggest nanoparticle-tissue interactions can support elastin restoration, but this specific elastogenic fNDC approach is still exploratory.
Where this research is happening
-
Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
Cleveland, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Damaser, Margot S. — Cleveland Clinic Lerner Com-Cwru
- Study coordinator: Damaser, Margot S.
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Identifying early warning signs of pelvic organ prolapse in young women
This NIH grant aims to find early markers that signal risk of pelvic organ prolapse so we can prevent severe disease.
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New non-surgical option for treating pelvic organ prolapse
This study is testing a new, easy-to-use pessary for women over 50 with pelvic organ prolapse, designed to be more comfortable and simpler to insert and remove on their own.
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Creating a new type of graft to repair pelvic organ prolapse
This study is working on a new type of graft to help fix pelvic organ prolapse, aiming to create a safe and effective solution that mimics healthy vaginal tissue, so patients can have better outcomes and fewer complications.
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Developing a new adhesive to prevent pelvic organ prolapse in women
This study is working on a new, eco-friendly glue that can help women with early signs of vaginal wall detachment, which can lead to pelvic organ prolapse, by safely reattaching the vaginal wall to the pelvic muscles, aiming to prevent the need for surgery.
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Improving Uroflowmetry: Do Pre-Procedure Reminders Help Women Undergoing Urodynamics
This study tests whether sending reminder calls before a urodynamics test helps women with pelvic floor disorders feel more prepared and less anxious, and whether it makes the procedure go more smoothly.
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Vaginal Vault Support at Hysterectomy
This trial tests a new double-ligament vault suspension during hysterectomy to help prevent vaginal apex prolapse in women undergoing the procedure.
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.