Vitality in Infants Using Azithromycin for Newborns (VIVANT)
Official title: Vitality in Infants Via Azithromycin for Neonates Trial (VIVANT)
Funded at Washington University · NIH-11623224 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A study to test whether giving azithromycin to babies at risk of poor growth can help them survive and thrive.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Washington University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Saint Louis, United States) |
| Project start | August 1, 2025 |
| Project end | July 31, 2030 |
| Funding year | 2026 |
| Award (this year) | $161,293 |
| NIH project number | 3R01HD114864-02S1 |
| Project ID | NIH-11623224 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Infants in the first months of life, especially those who are underweight or at risk of poor growth, in regions similar to sub-Saharan Africa.
✕Less likely to help
Babies who have known contraindications to macrolide antibiotics or those who do not fit the age criteria may not benefit.
What this research studies
This trial focuses on neonates and young infants at risk of poor growth and illness in Africa. Researchers will give azithromycin to babies in specific age windows to see if it can reduce deaths and improve growth without affecting breastfeeding. The approach builds on prior findings in older infants showing fewer deaths with macrolide distribution, while carefully avoiding risks like pyloric conditions. The study will monitor health outcomes, growth, and safety as babies receive the antibiotic.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, the program could lower newborn mortality and improve growth in vulnerable infants.
How similar studies have gone: Previous trials in older infants showed mortality reductions with azithromycin, but this study focuses on neonates to establish safety and efficacy.
Where this research is happening
-
Washington University
Saint Louis, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Oldenburg, Catherine Elizabeth — Washington University
- Study coordinator: Oldenburg, Catherine Elizabeth
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
-
Using MRI to measure brain oxygen levels as an early sign of small vessel disease in the brain
This study is looking at how measuring oxygen levels in the brain with MRI can help spot early signs of small vessel disease, which is linked to memory problems and dementia, especially Alzheimer's, so if you're at risk due to age or high blood pressure, you might be able to participate in MRI scans to learn more about
-
Advanced Methods & Modeling for Better Patient Care
A funding opportunity focused on developing new modeling methods to improve health care for patients through better data use and analytics.
-
Advanced methods and modeling for health research at Washington University
A health research grant at Washington University funds new modeling methods to support future patient-focused studies.
-
Center for Research in Emerging Infectious Diseases: Epidemiology, Surveillance and Pathogenesis
A NIH program will study and monitor emerging viruses from the Midwest U.S. and three Asian sites to understand how they spread and affect people.
-
How Poverty and the Environment Affect Heart Disease in Haiti and Beyond
This grant studies how poverty-related factors like food insecurity, stress, and pollution contribute to heart disease and aims to follow a large group of adults to better understand and prevent the disease.
-
Wearable tech to track blood loss during childbirth
A wearable device monitors cardiovascular signals to detect postpartum hemorrhage early so clinicians can act quickly to protect mothers.
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.