Understanding how the human placenta develops to prevent preeclampsia
Official title: Understanding Early Development of the Human Placenta: A Crucial Step Toward Solving the Preeclampsia Puzzle.
Funded at University of Colorado Denver · NIH-11394068 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A research project at a major university is exploring how the placenta forms and communicates at the cellular level to uncover ways to prevent preeclampsia.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Colorado Denver NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Aurora, UNITED STATES) |
| Project start | September 15, 2026 |
| Project end | May 31, 2031 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $749,379 |
| NIH project number | 1DP2HD125920-01 |
| Project ID | NIH-11394068 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Patients who are pregnant or planning pregnancy, or who have had preeclampsia or fetal growth restriction, may contribute through tissue samples or future clinical connections.
✕Less likely to help
Individuals not involved in pregnancy or placental research are unlikely to benefit directly.
What this research studies
Researchers will use stem-cell–based models to study placental tissue, focusing on how different cell types interact and organize during early development. They aim to create new organoid models that mimic early placental function and test ideas about nutrient and drug exchange before symptoms appear. The work includes generating preclinical data to evaluate a potential cell therapy for preeclampsia and to understand the roots of fetal growth problems.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to earlier detection and new treatment strategies to prevent preeclampsia and improve fetal growth outcomes.
How similar studies have gone: Developing placental organoid models has shown promise in preclinical studies, supporting the potential for meaningful advances.
Where this research is happening
-
University of Colorado Denver
Aurora, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Karvas, Rowan Mae — University of Colorado Denver
- Study coordinator: Karvas, Rowan Mae
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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.