Boston University Professor Awarded $200,000 Grant for Preeclampsia Drug Research
Boston, MA – Wendy Kuohung, MD, an associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, has been awarded a prestigious two-year, $200,000 Discovery Research Grant from the March of Dimes to advance drug discovery for preeclampsia (PE), a life-threatening pregnancy complication.
Preeclampsia, characterized by high blood pressure, swelling, and protein in the urine, typically develops after 20 weeks of pregnancy. Despite its severity, treatments for the condition have remained largely unchanged for over a century.
Dr. Kuohung’s research focuses on APOL1 gene variants, genetic mutations that significantly increase the risk of PE, particularly among Black women, who face a 60% higher likelihood of developing the condition compared to white women. Her study will use placental cell models expressing APOL1 variants to screen hundreds of drug compounds. By identifying those that reduce cellular stress markers, the research aims to pave the way for novel, targeted treatments for preeclampsia.
“Our goal is to discover safe and effective therapeutics for preeclampsia while addressing critical disparities in maternal health,” said Dr. Kuohung, who also serves as director of the Division of Reproductive Endocrinology at Boston Medical Center. “This research could provide much-needed insight into the underlying mechanisms of this complex obstetrical disorder.”
Beyond drug screening, her study will also conduct first-of-its-kind research into the development of preeclampsia using placental cells with APOL1 variants, potentially uncovering new pathways for treatment.
Dr. Kuohung, a leading expert in reproductive endocrinology and infertility, has dedicated her career to treating conditions such as infertility, endometriosis, fibroids, and menstrual disorders. She completed her medical degree at Yale University School of Medicine, followed by residency at Boston Medical Center and fellowship training at Brigham and Women’s Hospital/Harvard Medical School.
The March of Dimes, a nonprofit dedicated to improving maternal and infant health, funds Discovery Research Grants annually to support scientists with a strong record of contributions to maternal-fetal medicine.
This groundbreaking study marks a significant step toward advancing women’s health and reducing racial disparities in maternal care, bringing hope for better preeclampsia treatments in the near future.
