Regenerative biomaterial to help GSM in menopausal women
Official title: Regenerative biomaterial for combating genitourinary syndrome of menopause
Funded at University of California, San Diego · NIH-11327363 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A new, low-cost patch-like gel made from vaginal tissue material is being tested to repair thinning vaginal tissue and relieve symptoms of genitourinary syndrome of menopause in perimenopausal and menopausal women.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Diego NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (La Jolla, United States) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $469,397 |
| NIH project number | 5R01AG086776-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11327363 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Perimenopausal and menopausal women with GSM who are seeking better symptom relief and safer long-term options.
✕Less likely to help
May not benefit individuals with GSM who do not respond to topical regenerative therapies or who have contraindications to the biomaterial.
What this research studies
This project aims to use a vaginal tissue-derived ECM hydrogel (vECM) as a topical treatment to promote healing of atrophic vaginal tissue. The researchers will study how this minimally invasive biomaterial supports cell growth, new blood vessel formation, and improved tissue elasticity. The work relies on prior success with tissue-friendly biomaterials and focuses on a therapy that is accessible and potentially easier to use than current options.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this therapy could provide a safe, affordable option that improves symptoms and quality of life for many women with GSM.
How similar studies have gone: Previous biomaterial-based approaches have shown promise in tissue regeneration, supporting the potential feasibility of this strategy.
Where this research is happening
-
University of California, San Diego
La Jolla, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Alperin, Marianna — University of California, San Diego
- Study coordinator: Alperin, Marianna
Related research
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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.