December 19, 2019

Jennifer Condon wins grant to study novel preterm labor prevention agent

Wayne State University School of Medicine Associate Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology Jennifer Condon, Ph.D. is one of four grant recipients selected for the AMAG Pharmaceuticals 2019 Research Grant Program.

The Condon laboratory focuses on defining the molecular mechanisms that regulate gestational length to understand the processes the lead to the onset of term and

Jennifer Condon, Ph.D.
Jennifer Condon, Ph.D.

preterm birth. She will collaborate with C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development Scientific Director Gil Mor, M.D., Ph.D., on research targeting circulating GRP78 as a novel agent to prevent preterm labor.

Dr. Mor is the Vice Chair of Research and John M. Malone Jr., M.D. Endowed Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology, and works to understand the communication between the maternal and fetal components of pregnancy and how pathogens contribute to the disruption of this crosstalk, leading to preterm labor. 

As part of the company’s ongoing support of research to reduce preterm birth and preeclampsia and associated complications, AMAG awarded four grants totaling nearly $300,000 to independent researchers in the field.

“Preterm birth is the leading cause of infant morbidity and mortality, and over the past few years the March of Dimes report card has shown that U.S. preterm birth rates have risen,” said Brian Robinson, M.D., senior vice president of medical affairs at AMAG. “Preeclampsia has also been increasing in the U.S and is a major contributor to preterm birth, as well as maternal complications, including mortality. AMAG is committed to maternal health and furthering research in this underserved area of medicine.”

The 2019 grant recipients were selected by an independent external review panel of maternal fetal medicine specialists with extensive research experience. The panel was chaired by George Saade, M.D., Professor, Obstetrics/Gynecology and Cell Biology at The University of Texas Medical Branch.

“I continue to be impressed by the quality of applicants for AMAG’s Research Grants Program, which is now in its sixth consecutive year,” said Dr. Saade. “With AMAG’s contribution, this research will provide clinicians with insights and knowledge to better understand these conditions, which negatively impact pregnancy and necessitate support for additional research.”

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