Using stem cells to treat severe bowel disease in newborns
Official title: Sulfur Based Stem Cell Therapeutics in Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Funded at Indiana University Indianapolis · NIH-11042845 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is looking at a new way to help premature babies with necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) by using special cells to boost healing in their intestines and improve their chances of recovery.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Indiana University Indianapolis NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Indianapolis, United States) |
| Project start | April 15, 2023 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $539,636 |
| NIH project number | 5R01DK133418-03 |
| Project ID | NIH-11042845 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research are premature infants diagnosed with necrotizing enterocolitis.
✕Less likely to help
Patients who are not premature or do not have necrotizing enterocolitis may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing a new treatment for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a serious condition affecting premature infants that can lead to the need for intestinal surgery. The study investigates the use of mesenchymal stem cells derived from induced pluripotent stem cells, aiming to harness the protective effects of hydrogen sulfide in the intestines. Researchers will create a specialized probe to measure hydrogen sulfide levels and explore how it can improve blood flow and healing in the intestines. The goal is to enhance the survival and health of infants suffering from this condition.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could significantly improve survival rates and health outcomes for infants with necrotizing enterocolitis.
How similar studies have gone: While cellular therapies for NEC are still emerging, there is growing evidence that similar approaches using stem cells have shown promise in other conditions.
Where this research is happening
-
Indiana University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Markel, Troy a — Indiana University Indianapolis
- Study coordinator: Markel, Troy a
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.