Rapid malaria testing in early pregnancy to protect newborn health
Official title: Improving Neonatal health Through Rapid malaria testing in Early Pregnancy with high-sensitivity Diagnostics (INTREPiD)
Funded at Duke University · NIH-11307088 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A Duke University-led project will test high-sensitivity malaria tests in the first trimester to help keep mothers and babies healthier in Africa.
Quick facts
| Grant type | U01 cooperative agreement |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Duke University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Durham, United States) |
| Project start | April 1, 2022 |
| Project end | March 31, 2027 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $960,411 |
| NIH project number | 5U01AI162463-05 |
| Project ID | NIH-11307088 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Pregnant people in their first trimester in resource-limited settings where malaria is common.
✕Less likely to help
Pregnant people without malaria or who do not access early prenatal care may see little benefit.
What this research studies
This project focuses on pregnant people in Africa who may be at risk for malaria and related birth complications. It uses high-sensitivity rapid malaria tests during the first trimester, along with approved malaria treatments, to identify and manage infections earlier. The team plans to integrate this testing into existing antenatal care contacts to reach more women, including those with limited access to healthcare. By catching malaria earlier in pregnancy, the goal is to reduce low birthweight and newborn mortality.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the approach could reduce neonatal deaths and improve birth outcomes through earlier malaria detection and treatment.
How similar studies have gone: Prior malaria screening and treatment during pregnancy has improved outcomes, but first-trimester screening with high-sensitivity tests is a newer approach.
Where this research is happening
-
Duke University
Durham, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Taylor, Steve Myer — Duke University
- Study coordinator: Taylor, Steve Myer
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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.