NEC Biorepository research facility

The NEC biorepository aims to support fragile newborns by advancing our understanding of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).

Uncover Life-Saving Answers for Newborns

Your donation supports the NEC Biorepository in advancing critical research to understand and NEC. By gathering and sharing vital biological samples from newborns in the NICU, we empower researchers across the country to study NEC, uncovering new insights that may lead to lifesaving treatments. Join us in protecting the lives of our most vulnerable babies.

Background

Empowering NEC Research Nationwide

A biorepository is a research facility that collects and stores biological samples for research. Our biorepository holds samples from numerous medical centers across the country. Researchers share the samples, making it easier to study NEC.

doctor using medical instrument with touch screen
doctor using medical instrument with touch screen

Process

Unlocking Life-Saving Insights​

The biorepository collects samples of blood, stool, urine, saliva, and stomach fluid from babies in the NICU. It also collects breast milk samples from the birthing parent. If a baby in the NICU has intestinal surgery for NEC or any other condition, intestinal tissue that would have otherwise been discarded is saved for the biorepository.

Eligibility

Driving Research Forward

Two types of babies are eligible to participate: 1. Babies who are in the NICU and have developed NEC, and 2. Babies who are the same age as another baby who has developed NEC. Only babies at NEC Biorepository centers can participate.

doctor using medical instrument with touch screen

Breaking New Ground Together

Misty Good headshot

“The NEC Biorepository was started to build collaboration between scientists across the country. I strongly believe that building a world without NEC requires the dedicated commitment of a community of scientific investigators, families, and clinicians.”

Misty Good, MD, MS & NEC Biorepository Director

Project Spotlight

This highlighted project represents a vital step forward in neonatal health. Through such work, we’re paving the way for improved care, better outcomes, and, ultimately, a future where NEC is preventable.

person looking through microscope
A single-cell atlas includes detailed information about individual cells and how these cells are different in healthy intestine compared to during NEC. ...