CompletedPregnancy, Children & Inherited ConditionsNIHR-supported projectDiabetes, Hormones & Metabolism
NGM 120-HG-201/NGM120 : A Phase 2 Randomized, Proof of Concept Study to Evaluate the Safety, Tolerability, and Efficacy of NGM120 in Pregnant Women with Severe Nausea and Vomiting (Hyperemesis Gravidarum).
Recipient organisationNIHR Wellcome Trust King's Clinical Research Facility
NIHR supportRecorded as supported by this research centre
PeriodMar 2025 — Aug 2025
In plain English
AI plain-English summary
A single injection of an experimental antibody could offer the first new treatment in decades for pregnant women so severely nauseous they cannot keep down food or water. This matters because hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) is not morning sickness. It causes dangerous weight loss, repeated hospital admissions, and can force women to terminate wanted pregnancies. Current treatments—anti-sickness drugs, fluids, and vitamins—often fail to control symptoms. The drug, NGM120, blocks a signalling protein linked to nausea and vomiting. If this small proof-of-concept trial shows NGM120 is safe and reduces symptoms, it could lead to larger studies and eventually a targeted therapy for HG. That would give clinicians a specific tool for a condition that currently has none, potentially preventing malnutrition, preterm birth, and the psychological toll of severe illness during pregnancy. The trial also tracks the baby’s birth weight and delivery outcomes, so any impact on the child is measured from the start.
View original technical description
This clinical trial aims to help pregnant women suffering from severe nausea and vomiting, known as Hyperemesis Gravidarum (HG). HG can lead to significant weight loss, multiple hospital admissions and other pregnancy complications including fetal growth problems and earlier delivery (preterm delivery). In severe cases, women may even consider terminating their pregnancies due to the severity of the illness.Currently, there are limited treatments available for HG. This trial will test NGM120, a monoclonal antibody, to see if it is safe and effective for treating HG. The study will involve 30 pregnant women between 10 and 15 weeks of pregnancy who are experiencing severe nausea and vomiting. The participants will be divided into two groups, both receiving the standard care of ondansetron, fluids, and vitamins. One group will also receive NGM120, while the other will receive a placebo. After a week, the groups will switch treatments, allowing all participants to try both NGM120 and the placebo. The study treatment lasts for 12 days.Researchers will closely monitor the participants to ensure safety and assess the effectiveness of NGM120 in reducing nausea and improving daily functioning. To join the study, women must be between 18 and 40 years old, have a healthy single pregnancy, and agree to stop using other HG treatments during the trial. Certain health conditions and behaviours, such as high blood pressure or smoking, may exclude some women from participating. The study will also track any side effects, analyse how the drug moves through the body, and examine its impact on the baby's birth weight and delivery. The goal is to better understand how to treat severe nausea during pregnancy and develop more effective treatments for the future.
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