HDFN occurs when a pregnant person's immune system attacks fetal red blood cells, and can cause severe, sometimes fatal, anemia. HDFN most commonly develops in second or later pregnancies, after antibodies form during an earlier one.
Currently, no approved medication exists to prevent HDFN in people who are already at risk. Treatment often means repeated invasive procedures, including in-utero blood transfusions, which carry their own risks.
UK HealthCare is taking part in the AZALEA trial, a phase-3 study testing whether an investigational drug can prevent HDFN from occurring by blocking the receptors that carry antibodies across the placenta to the fetus.
The trial is seeking participants who are currently pregnant, between 18 and 45, and have had a severe case of HDFN in a previous pregnancy.
Participation includes all trial medication and medical care at no cost, plus reimbursement for travel.