# NICHD Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network: Data CoordinatingCenter

> **NIH NIH U24** · GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY · 2024 · $4,000,690

## Abstract

PROJECT SUMMARY/ABSTRACT
The Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) Maternal-
Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network was created in 1986 to conduct clinical research studies in obstetrics
and perinatal medicine. The MFMU Network, consisting of a number of major academic clinical centers, a data
coordinating center (DCC), and the NICHD, will serve as the first-line infrastructure for implementing multi-site
obstetric clinical trials and observational studies. Research studies conducted within the MFMU Network will be
aimed at reducing maternal morbidity and mortality related to pregnancy, reducing fetal and infant morbidity
and mortality related to preterm birth and fetal growth abnormalities, and expanding the evidence on
therapeutic products used during pregnancy and lactation. To fulfill this mission, the MFMU Network plans to
conduct 5-10 new studies. The MFMU Network structure allows studies to be completed in a more rigorous
and reproducible fashion and more efficiently than individual multi-center projects.
The overall purpose of the DCC is to make sure that the studies are designed to minimize bias, are conducted
using rigorous protocols and procedures, and the results analyzed and interpreted appropriately to ensure the
validity of the conclusions. The aims of the DCC are to provide scientific and biostatistical expertise through
collaborations with Network and non-Network investigators on study design, conduct, analysis and reporting of
clinical studies. The DCC will conduct safety and interim analyses for the Data and Safety Monitoring Board,
collaborate with investigators on statistical analyses and the dissemination of study results, and share datasets
and resources. The DCC will provide a flexible data management system and collaborate with investigators on
the conduct and monitoring of each study including creation of study documents, training, and reporting to the
Steering Committee, NIH, other committees and/or working groups, as well as the Food and Drug
Administration for any studies under an IND/IDE. Lastly, the DCC will coordinate communication through both
private and public websites, and provide the logistical and administrative support to the overall Network
organization necessary to run efficient and productive studies. Through effective organization, communication,
and logistical, technical and scientific support, the DCC will continue to provide the framework for the MFMU
Network to address the key scientific questions in obstetrics, obstetric pharmacology, and lactation clinical
practice.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10818491
- **Project number:** 5U24HD036801-27
- **Recipient organization:** GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY
- **Principal Investigator:** Rebecca Gersnoviez Clifton
- **Activity code:** U24 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $4,000,690
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 1998-04-15 → 2030-03-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10818491

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10818491, NICHD Maternal-Fetal Medicine Units (MFMU) Network: Data CoordinatingCenter (5U24HD036801-27). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10818491. Licensed CC0.

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