Using engineered stem-cell exosomes to treat spina bifida before birth
Engineered Neuroprotective Stem-Cell Exosomes for In Utero Spina Bifida Therapy
This study is exploring a new way to help babies with myelomeningocele, a serious type of spina bifida, by using special cells from the placenta to improve surgery done before birth, with the hope of preventing paralysis and other issues.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California at Davis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Davis, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-10911132 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates a novel treatment for myelomeningocele (MMC), the most severe form of spina bifida, which affects children from birth. The approach involves using engineered exosomes derived from placental stem cells to enhance the effectiveness of in utero surgical repair. By delivering neuroprotective factors, this treatment aims to prevent paralysis and other complications associated with MMC. The study utilizes a fetal ovine model to assess the safety and efficacy of this innovative therapy.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are pregnant women carrying fetuses diagnosed with myelomeningocele.
Not a fit: Patients with forms of spina bifida other than myelomeningocele may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve mobility and quality of life for children born with spina bifida.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of stem cells in treating spina bifida is being explored, this specific approach using engineered exosomes is novel and has not been extensively tested in clinical settings.
Where this research is happening
Davis, United States
- University of California at Davis — Davis, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Farmer, Diana Lee — University of California at Davis
- Study coordinator: Farmer, Diana Lee
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.