Yale School of Medicine has received a grant of up to $1 million over three years from rEVO Biologics, Inc., to further research and education in preeclampsia, and to uncover and define the best models of clinical care for the condition.
The grant will also support the new Yale Women and Children’s Center for Blood Disorders and Preeclampsia Advancement.
Preeclampsia is a life-threatening, progressive condition that occurs in approximately 5% to 8% of all pregnancies, typically after the 20th week of pregnancy. The cause of preeclampsia is currently unknown, and the incidence of severe preeclampsia is increasing rapidly; the condition is a leading cause of maternal and newborn deaths in the United States. At present, delivery of the baby is the only known way to stop the progression of preeclampsia. Without intervention, preeclampsia can escalate to multi-organ failure, seizures, coma, or death of the mother and baby.
Led by Yale professor Dr. Michael J. Paidas, the center will focus on the short- and long-term burden of disease for the mother and the baby, with an emphasis on emerging treatment options for preeclampsia and related disorders such as fetal growth restriction and prematurity. In addition, researchers will establish a robust database of genomic, proteomic, and other biomarkers to help predict and monitor the condition.
“This is an important step toward identifying the cause and understanding the progression of preeclampsia,” said Paidas, professor, vice chair of obstetrics, and director of the Yale Women and Children’s Center for Blood Disorders and Preeclampsia Advancement. “Preeclampsia is a devastating condition that can affect the health and well-being of both mother and baby. Little progress has been made in advancing the scientific knowledge of the condition and in developing therapeutic options.”
The center will be fully dedicated to preeclampsia research. It will also be a resource to educate pregnant women and healthcare providers about preeclampsia. Information will be disseminated through a variety of channels including medical conferences, continuing medical education courses, and social and print media.
“We are honored to partner with Yale and to provide a grant to make the Center of Advancement a reality,” said Yann Echelard, president and CEO of rEVO Biologics. “rEVO is committed to advancing research in early onset preeclampsia with the goal of speeding much-needed treatment to patients.”