National Geographic mentioned the HER Foundation and its board members, Kimber MacGibbon, RN, Dr. Marlena Fejzo, and Dr. Aimee Brecht-Doscher, in their article, “We finally know the cause of severe morning sickness. A remedy could be next.” Special thanks to the author, Sam Jones, for covering the groundbreaking discovery and telling our story.
Read the story here: “We finally know the cause of severe morning sickness. A remedy could be next.”
Summary of article in Nation Geographic
The article discusses hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a severe and sometimes fatal condition characterized by persistent nausea and vomiting during pregnancy. Despite its seriousness, HG research has been underfunded and those suffering from HG are often dismissed. Dr. Marlena Fejzo, a women’s health researcher at USC, and her colleagues recently published breakthrough research on the hormone, GDF15, which affects the risk of developing HG. This discovery could lead to effective treatments for HG in the future.
Read more about Dr. Fejzo’s motivation to find the cause of HG in this article.
National Geographic on HG challenges
HG is different from common morning sickness, with much more severe symptoms including continuous nausea, dehydration, and weight loss. Miscarriage and serious complications in both the mother and the baby may result from HG. The article highlights the challenges in diagnosing and treating HG, with current medications often being ineffective.
Read more on the challenges of HG in this article.
The study reveals that maternal GDF15 levels and fetal production of GDF15, as well as a mother’s sensitivity to GDF15 influence if she has HG. Those with below-average GDF15 levels before pregnancy are at a higher risk of developing HG, while those with high levels experience less nausea. The researchers conducted experiments on mice to support their hypothesis, indicating that sensitivity to GDF15 greatly influences HG risk.
Despite promising findings, concerns about medication safety during pregnancy persist due to historical tragedies like thalidomide. However, researchers are optimistic about potential treatments.
Clinical trials are considering drugs that impact GDF15 levels, including metformin and GDF15-blocking medications. NGM Bio is in talks with the FDA to start trials on their GDF15-blocking drug, NGM120, for HG patients.
Overall, the research provides hope for developing treatments for HG and addressing a condition that history has overlooked and misunderstood.
Read the full story here.
- Nature Study publication
- Frequently asked questions about genetics and hormone GDF15.
- Watch our Instagram Live with Dr. Marlena Fejzo discussing the Nature study!
- Find out more about the HER Foundation and media inquiries.
- Read about the international research conference (ICHG Nov 6-7, 2024).
- Participate in our ongoing research opportunities.
- Share your HG story and offer to speak to the media.
- Become a HER Volunteer and help another family with HG.
- Sign up for our newsletter to be up-to-date on the latest research, news, and updates!
