Repairing injuries to the pubovisceral muscle after childbirth
Official title: Pubovisceral muscle enthesis injury: A bioinspired approach to repair
Funded at Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation · NIH-11193226 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at how injuries to a specific muscle during vaginal childbirth can lead to pelvic organ prolapse later on, and it aims to create a new healing method to help women recover better than with standard surgery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pittsburgh, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $558,220 |
| NIH project number | 5R01HD115093-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11193226 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are women who have experienced vaginal childbirth and are at risk of or suffering from pelvic organ prolapse.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who have not given birth vaginally or those who do not have pelvic organ prolapse may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research investigates injuries to the pubovisceral muscle that can occur during vaginal childbirth, which may lead to pelvic organ prolapse (POP) later in life. The study aims to understand the structure and function of the muscle and the biological processes that occur after an injury. By developing a bioinspired composite scaffold designed to promote healing, the researchers hope to improve surgical outcomes for women suffering from POP. This innovative approach seeks to provide a more effective treatment option compared to traditional suture repair methods.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved surgical techniques for repairing pelvic organ prolapse, enhancing recovery and quality of life for affected women.
How similar studies have gone: While the approach of using bioinspired scaffolds is innovative, similar strategies in tissue engineering have shown promise in other areas of medicine, suggesting potential for success in this context.
Where this research is happening
-
Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
Pittsburgh, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Moalli, Pamela a. — Magee-Women's Res Inst and Foundation
- Study coordinator: Moalli, Pamela a.
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.