Overview
- Researchers reported the biggest genetic study of hyperemesis gravidarum, confirming GDF15 as the strongest driver and identifying nine additional genes, six newly linked to the condition.
- The analysis compared 10,974 women who had hyperemesis gravidarum with 461,461 controls across European, Asian, African and Latino ancestries.
- Among the new signals, TCF7L2 ties risk to diabetes biology and a gut hormone called GLP‑1 that helps regulate blood sugar, appetite and nausea.
- The team received approval to launch a trial that will test metformin before pregnancy to raise GDF15 and evaluate whether it prevents or eases severe nausea in women with a prior history of the condition.
- About 2% of pregnancies are affected, with vomiting so severe it can cause dehydration and hospitalization, current drugs often give only partial relief, and several HG genes also overlap with risks like shorter gestation and preeclampsia.