Understanding and treating necrotizing enterocolitis in premature infants

Molecular and metabolic signaling in necrotizing enterocolitis

NIH-funded research Johns Hopkins University · NIH-11047553

This study is looking into necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious gut problem that mainly affects premature babies, to find out how it happens and to create better treatments to help these little ones.

Quick facts

Grant typeNIH-funded research
Study typeNIH-funded research
Funding institutionJohns Hopkins University NIH-funded
Lab location1 site (Baltimore, United States)
Project IDNIH-11047553 on NIH RePORTER

What this research studies

This research focuses on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a severe gastrointestinal disease that primarily affects premature infants. The study aims to uncover the biological mechanisms behind NEC and develop new treatment options to combat this life-threatening condition. By investigating the inflammatory responses and bacterial interactions in the intestines of affected infants, the research seeks to provide insights that could lead to effective therapies. The principal investigator has extensive experience in this field, having contributed significantly to the understanding of NEC over the past two decades.

Who could benefit from this research

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants who are at risk of developing necrotizing enterocolitis.

Not a fit: Patients who are not premature or do not have gastrointestinal diseases will likely not benefit from this research.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to novel treatments that significantly reduce mortality and improve outcomes for premature infants suffering from NEC.

How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in understanding NEC and developing treatments, but this specific approach aims to address critical unanswered questions in the field.

Where this research is happening

Baltimore, United States

Researchers

About this research

  1. This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
  2. Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
  3. For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.