Human trials of artificial wombs could start soon. Here’s what you need to know
Go to source). This could potentially reduce deaths and disability for babies born extremely premature, according to the study reported in Nature.
Future of Artificial Wombs in Humans
In 2017, scientists at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) in Pennsylvania kept a developing lamb alive for 28 days in a sterilized bag filled with fluid, where it received amniotic fluid, medicine and oxygen through tubes connected to umbilical cord tissue. The experiment showed that the lamb had positive growth in its lung, GI tract and brain development. Now, the team at CHOP have sought approval for the first human clinical trials of the device they’ve been testing, named the Extra-uterine Environment for Newborn Development, or EXTEND. The team has emphasized that the technology is not intended or able to support development from conception to birth. Rather, it may simulate some elements of a natural womb and will increase survival, improve outcomes for extremely premature babies, the report said.
The World’s First ‘Artificial Womb Facility’ Gives a Sneak Peek at Pregnancy in the Future
The world’s first ‘artificial womb facility’ will produce 30,000 kids in birth pods each year
The world’s first ‘artificial womb facility’ will produce 30,000 kids in birth pods each year
‘According to the WHO, preterm birth is the largest cause of death and disability in children under five. Artificial womb trials in humans may help prevent premature mortalities. #artificialwomb #prematurebaby #reducemortality’
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"If it’s as successful as we think it can be, ultimately, the majority of pregnancies that are predicted at-risk for extreme prematurity would be delivered early onto our system rather than being delivered prematurely onto a ventilator," Alan Flake, a fetal surgeon at CHOP who has been leading the effort, was quoted as saying in a 2017 video.Meanwhile, the FDA’s meeting of independent advisers aims to discuss regulatory and ethical considerations and what human trials for the technology might look like. "This is definitely an exciting step and it’s been a long time coming," says Kelly Werner, a bioethicist and neonatologist at Columbia University Medical Center in New York City, was quoted as saying." Clinicians who work with premature babies will be closely following this meeting," she said.
Reference:
- Human trials of artificial wombs could start soon. Here’s what you need to know - (https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-023-02901-1)
Progress Seen in Gene Editing, Artificial Womb Technologies
Researches in medical science have benefited mankind immensely. Medical science provides remedies, cures and safeguards man against various diseases.
Researches in medical science have benefited mankind immensely. Medical science provides remedies, cures and safeguards man against various diseases.
Artificial Womb Technology for Extremely Premature Infants
The study shows the ability of an artificial placenta-based life support platform to maintain extremely preterm lamb fetus which is equivalent to a human fetus at 24 weeks of gestation.
The study shows the ability of an artificial placenta-based life support platform to maintain extremely preterm lamb fetus which is equivalent to a human fetus at 24 weeks of gestation.
Are Premature Newborns Missing Out On Initial Bonding Experiences With Parents?
Do prematurely born newborns miss out on that initial bond that parents experience as the baby is born? The answer to this particular question is being studied here in this study.
Do prematurely born newborns miss out on that initial bond that parents experience as the baby is born? The answer to this particular question is being studied here in this study.
