Preeclampsia may have a new treatment from an early trial.

An early trial at Tygerberg Hospital tested a drug called DM199 for severe preeclampsia and reported rapid blood pressure stabilization in several participants; researchers say larger studies are needed.

An early clinical trial at Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town tested a drug called DM199 for women with severe preeclampsia. Preeclampsia is a pregnancy complication linked to high blood pressure and damage to blood vessels that can threaten both mother and baby. Clinicians have long sought treatments that lower a mother’s blood pressure without reducing blood flow to the placenta. The trial enrolled women who were scheduled for early delivery and tracked responses after increasing dose levels. What the trial reports: - The study administered intravenous DM199 to small groups of patients with dangerously high blood pressure. - After dose escalation, several participants experienced rapid and sustained reductions in blood pressure. - Investigators report that laboratory tests did not detect the drug crossing the placenta or appearing in breastmilk. - The trial is small and preliminary; independent specialists quoted in the report say larger, broader studies are needed to confirm safety and effect. Summary: If further research confirms these findings, a medication that lowers maternal blood pressure while improving placental blood flow could change care for some people with severe preeclampsia. Researchers emphasize the evidence is preliminary and that larger, more diverse trials are required. Undetermined at this time.