Placenta-targeted treatment for babies not growing enough before birth
Placental-specific therapy for fetal growth restriction
This project develops a placenta-directed, biodegradable nanoparticle therapy carrying the IGF-1 gene to help pregnancies affected by fetal growth restriction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Florida NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Gainesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11314596 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
From a patient perspective, the team is creating tiny, non-viral particles designed to deliver the IGF-1 gene only to the placenta to boost its function. They have tested uptake in human placental tissue outside the body and in several animal models of fetal growth restriction. The plan is to apply the therapy later in pregnancy after a diagnosis of poor fetal growth and monitor effects on the baby’s brain and heart before and after birth. The particles are polymer-based and similar materials have already been used safely in some human cancer trials.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Pregnant people with a clinical diagnosis of fetal growth restriction who meet the study’s eligibility criteria would be the ideal candidates.
Not a fit: Pregnancies without placenta-driven growth problems, very early first-trimester cases, or those with contraindications to the intervention are unlikely to benefit.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could improve fetal growth, lower newborn complications, and reduce longer-term risks for metabolic and heart problems linked to poor growth in the womb.
How similar studies have performed: Polymeric nanoparticle carriers have shown safety in human cancer studies and placenta-targeted IGF-1 delivery has shown promising results in animal models and ex vivo human placental tissue, but clinical testing in pregnant people is still largely untested.
Where this research is happening
Gainesville, United States
- University of Florida — Gainesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Jones, Helen N — University of Florida
- Study coordinator: Jones, Helen N
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 below.