# Angiotensin receptor blocking antibody fragments as next-generation therapeutics for preeclampsia

> **NIH NIH R21** · HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL · 2020 · $211,875

## Abstract

Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy such as preeclampsia are among the most important contributors to
maternal and fetal morbidity and mortality. Despite the prevalence and impact of these disorders, few effective
treatment options exist. The most widely used and effective antihypertensive drugs, angiotensin-converting
enzyme (ACE) inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs), cannot be used to treat pregnant patients
because they cross the placenta and cause developmental abnormalities in the fetus. We propose to develop
antibody fragments that can bind to the angiotensin receptor and block its signaling. Since the placenta does
not transport proteins (with the exception of IgG), antibody fragment ARBs may be able to treat maternal
hypertension while avoiding fetal toxicity. In this project, we will create and optimize antibody fragment ARBs,
and we will perform functional characterization to define their molecular pharmacology. This work will serve as
a foundation for future efforts to investigate the therapeutic potential of this new ARB class.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 9948339
- **Project number:** 1R21HD101596-01
- **Recipient organization:** HARVARD MEDICAL SCHOOL
- **Principal Investigator:** Andrew Kruse
- **Activity code:** R21 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2020
- **Award amount:** $211,875
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2020-03-16 → 2022-02-28

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/9948339

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 9948339, Angiotensin receptor blocking antibody fragments as next-generation therapeutics for preeclampsia (1R21HD101596-01). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/9948339. Licensed CC0.

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