mRNA lipid nanoparticles to treat pre-eclampsia
Official title: mRNA lipid nanoparticles for pre-eclampsia
Funded at University of Pennsylvania · NIH-11378526 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new approach uses tiny delivery particles to send therapeutic mRNA to the placenta in pregnancy-related high blood pressure to help both mother and baby.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Pennsylvania NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Philadelphia, United States) |
| Project start | August 12, 2024 |
| Project end | July 31, 2029 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $349,375 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD115877-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11378526 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant individuals at risk of or diagnosed with pre-eclampsia who would be eligible for future placenta-targeted treatments or related trials.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnant individuals without pre-eclampsia or those who cannot receive placental-targeted therapies may not benefit.
What this research studies
This project aims to create a targeted lipid nanoparticle system that reaches the placenta and delivers mRNA cargo to slow the progression of pre-eclampsia. By focusing on extrahepatic delivery to the placenta, researchers hope to reduce maternal hypertension and improve fetal health while avoiding systemic side effects. The work involves formulating ionizable lipid nanoparticles and testing their placenta-targeting ability in preclinical models, with careful attention to safety in pregnancy. If successful, this platform could become a foundation for therapies that treat pre-eclampsia rather than only managing symptoms.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the therapy could delay disease progression and improve outcomes for mothers and babies by reducing hypertension and supporting placental health.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research shows promise for targeted delivery to the placenta, but placenta-specific mRNA therapy for pre-eclampsia remains experimental.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Mitchell, Michael J — University of Pennsylvania
- Study coordinator: Mitchell, Michael J
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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Heart function during and after pre-eclampsia
This project looks at how severe pre-eclampsia affects heart function in pregnant women from different racial backgrounds by checking heart health at delivery and up to a year later and linking findings to genetic differences.
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New mRNA treatment for pre-eclampsia
This project aims to create a new mRNA treatment delivered by tiny particles to help manage pre-eclampsia during pregnancy.
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Investigating heart function in women with severe pre-eclampsia during and after pregnancy
This study is looking at how severe pre-eclampsia affects heart health in women from different racial backgrounds, checking their heart function during delivery and again at 6 and 12 months after giving birth, to help find better ways to support women who might be at risk based on their genetics.
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Using mRNA lipid nanoparticles to treat pre-eclampsia
This study is testing a new way to treat pre-eclampsia during pregnancy by using tiny particles to deliver helpful messages to the placenta, with the goal of improving blood flow and lowering high blood pressure, so that both moms and babies can be healthier.
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A new tool for quickly measuring a key protein to help detect pre-eclampsia in pregnant women.
This study is working on a quick and easy test to check for a substance called Placental Growth Factor (PlGF) that helps predict pre-eclampsia in pregnant women, making it easier for doctors to spot and treat this serious condition early on.
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Pre-eclampsia risk in pregnancies after oocyte donation
We will follow pregnant women who used donated eggs and women who used their own eggs to see if pregnancies after oocyte donation lead to a higher risk of pre-eclampsia.
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.