# Improving Maternal Outcomes of Cesarean Delivery with the Prevention of Postoperative Adhesions

> **NIH NIH R44** · LUNA LABS USA, LLC · 2024 · $857,868

## Abstract

ABSTRACT
An increased incidence of various pre-existing conditions like diabetes and hypertension, combined with
systemic issues surrounding the quality of maternal health care provided, has resulted in a significant increase
in the cesarean delivery rate in minority communities. These surgical procedures contribute to disparities in
maternal health outcomes and postoperative complications, as C-sections increase the likelihood of pelvic
adhesion formation. These adhesions are a leading cause of infertility, pain, and increased delivery time for
subsequent births, and the disproportionate administration of these procedures in minority communities (i.e.
these women are 33% more likely to undergo cesarean delivery) means these repercussions may be found more
frequently in these populations. Current products for adhesion prevention are difficult to apply in gynecologic
procedures and fail to properly address this severe surgical complication. Luna Labs’ patented AeroVeil
technology, a two-component sprayable hydrogel, has been demonstrated effective in decreasing the incidence
and severity of abdominal adhesion formation in rat and rabbit models. The proposed program will focus on
transitioning product application from these abdominal adhesion models into wound healing and efficacy
models of gynecologic applications to evaluate the safety and efficacy of product application in this space.
Successful completion of these efforts will drive technology transition and regulatory approval to support the
initiation of clinical trials with a commercial partner and reduce the needless surgical complications suffered by
women in minority communities.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 10931679
- **Project number:** 5R44HD114305-02
- **Recipient organization:** LUNA LABS USA, LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Lauren Costella
- **Activity code:** R44 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $857,868
- **Award type:** 5
- **Project period:** 2023-09-18 → 2026-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/10931679

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 10931679, Improving Maternal Outcomes of Cesarean Delivery with the Prevention of Postoperative Adhesions (5R44HD114305-02). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-26 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/10931679. Licensed CC0.

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