Using engineered particles to treat fetal organ damage
Engineering of Polymeric Particles for Fetal Therapy
This study is exploring a new way to help unborn babies with certain organ problems by using tiny particles that deliver special molecules to support healthy organ growth, aiming to improve outcomes for conditions like congenital diaphragmatic hernia and spina bifida.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Yale University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New Haven, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11097241 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a novel therapy using engineered polymeric particles to treat organ damage in fetuses caused by structural diseases. By utilizing prenatal imaging, the researchers can diagnose these conditions early and predict their severity. The therapy involves delivering nanoparticles that carry specific microRNAs to improve organ growth, which can be administered through minimally invasive procedures like amniocentesis. The goal is to enhance treatment outcomes for conditions such as congenital diaphragmatic hernia and spina bifida.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant individuals whose fetuses are diagnosed with structural diseases that affect organ development.
Not a fit: Patients whose fetuses do not have structural diseases or who are beyond the early stages of pregnancy may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved fetal health outcomes and better organ development before birth.
How similar studies have performed: Previous research has shown promise in using nanoparticle-based therapies for fetal conditions, indicating a potential for success with this approach.
Where this research is happening
New Haven, United States
- Yale University — New Haven, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Saltzman, W. Mark — Yale University
- Study coordinator: Saltzman, W. Mark
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 below.