Premature births and preeclampsia can be treated with new placenta medications

SAN DIEGO − Researchers have found a way to selectively deliver drugs to the placenta without harming the fetus, according to a study recently announced.

The discovery could one day help prevent some premature births and treat complications such as preeclampsia, a condition characterized by high blood pressure and sometimes, fluid retention. The study appears today in the journal Science Advances.

The study was conducted by an international team of researchers, including Erkki Ruoslahti, Ph.D., distinguished professor at Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute's NCI-Designated Cance...