Asymptotic states of generalized universes with higher derivatives

We review ongoing research related to the asymptotic dynamics of isotropic universes in theories with higher derivatives, especially near the initial singularity. We treat two major cases, that is universes in vacuum, and also those filled with radiation using the method of asymptotic splittings of vector fields. Our solutions have the form of formal Fuchsian-type series for the basic unknowns and are valid near collapse or big rip regimes asymptotically.