Using human placental extract to prevent a serious intestinal condition in premature infants
IND Enabling Studies and Manufacturing Scale Up of Human Placental Extract to Prevent Surgical Necrotizing Enterocolitis
This study is looking at whether a special extract from the placenta can help prevent a serious gut problem called Necrotizing Enterocolitis in premature babies by improving their gut health as they start feeding.
Quick facts
| Grant type | Sbir 2 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Plakous Therapeutics, INC. NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Pfafftown, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11112522 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This research investigates the use of Human Placental Extract (HPE) to prevent Necrotizing Enterocolitis (NEC), a severe intestinal condition affecting preterm infants. The approach involves extracting and preserving beneficial cytokines and growth factors from the placenta to create a therapeutic that mimics the properties of amniotic fluid. By administering this extract orally to infants during their transition to feeding, the research aims to reduce inflammation and improve gut health. The study is focused on developing a treatment that could significantly enhance the care of vulnerable newborns in neonatal intensive care units.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this research are preterm infants, particularly those with very low birth weights who are at high risk for developing NEC.
Not a fit: Patients who are not preterm or who do not have very low birth weights may not benefit from this research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could provide a novel treatment option that significantly reduces the incidence and severity of NEC in preterm infants.
How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown promise in using amniotic fluid properties for gut health, suggesting that this approach may be effective, although the specific use of placental extract is relatively novel.
Where this research is happening
Pfafftown, United States
- Plakous Therapeutics, INC. — Pfafftown, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Berger, Michael Bentley — Plakous Therapeutics, INC.
- Study coordinator: Berger, Michael Bentley
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.