Project Grant R21HD121240

The National Institute of Child Health and Human Development awarded Northwestern University $240,000 on September 1, 2026, under the Child Health and Human Development Extramural Research Projects program (CFDA 93.HDR) to develop ovarian somatic organoids as a drug discovery model for reproductive longevity.

The research addresses ovarian aging, characterized by loss of egg quantity and quality leading to infertility and altered endocrine function. The funded work builds on the recipient's discovery that aging ovaries develop fibrosis—excess accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins accompanied by inflammation—which impairs follicle development, egg quality, and ovulation. The team demonstrated that treatment of mice with a low-dose FDA-approved anti-fibrotic drug prevented age-associated fibrosis and inflammation while improving ovarian function, including follicle number, ovulation events, hormone production, and estrous cyclicity. This project will translate these fundamental mechanisms into therapeutic interventions to extend ovarian function and improve reproductive decision-making, quality of life, and overall healthspan for women.

The award supports work performed at Northwestern University's Chicago, Illinois location through August 31, 2028. The funding is classified as a Project Grant, an assistance type under NICHD's extramural research program supporting investigator-initiated basic and clinical research in child health and human development domains.