Nipocalimab, an immunotherapy drug, promises to be the first non-surgical treatment to address rhesus disease, according to a study conducted by 20 hospitals, including the UZ Leuven, published on Wednesday.
Rhesus (rh) disease, also known as haemolytic disease of the foetus and newborn (HDFN), is a condition whereby the antibodies in a pregnant person harm their baby’s blood cells. The condition can cause life-threatening anaemia in foetuses, which is treated through blood transfusion via the umbilical cord. This is a delicate and specialised process, explained UZ Leuven in a press release.
Nipocalimab works by binding to layers of the placenta and retaining antibodies, which can prevent or reduce the need of blood transfusions. "It is the first time we have found a drug that can prevent antibodies from the pregnant mother going to the foetus," stated UZ Leuven gynaecologist, Dr. Roland Devlieger.
The study followed 14 pregnant women who previously struggled with rhesus pregnancies, half of whom had lost their baby in a previous pregnancy. When treated with nipocalimab, 13 out of the 14 babies survived, a result UZ Leuven regards as very positive considering that "rhesus disease and immune problems usually get worse with each pregnancy."
Although in Belgium the disease is screened for regularly, the condition remains a "major health problem" in many countries, Devlieger emphasised. "The excellent results of immunotherapy with nipocalimab could therefore be a game-changer," added Devlieger.
A longer clinical trial is set to start. UZ Leuven has confirmed it will also participate in this study.
The research was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The study involved medical facilities from multiple countries, including the United States, the Netherlands, Germany, and Belgium.
