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Dr. Dennis Lo Recognized for Revolutionary Contributions to Prenatal Health

The March of Dimes, a leading nonprofit organization dedicated to the health of mothers and infants, has awarded Dr. Dennis Lo the 2025 Richard B. Johnston, Jr., MD Prize. This award honors Dr. Lo for his pivotal work in the field of prenatal health, particularly for his discovery of fetal DNA in maternal blood and the development of noninvasive prenatal testing (NIPT).

The Pioneering Research of Dr. Dennis Lo

Dr. Lo, who currently holds the position of vice chancellor and president of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, is recognized globally as the ‘father of noninvasive prenatal testing’. His groundbreaking discovery in 1997 marked the beginning of a new era in prenatal diagnostics by identifying cell-free fetal DNA in maternal blood. This key finding laid the groundwork for the creation of NIPT, a blood test that can accurately assess the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down syndrome, in unborn babies.

Dr. Emre Seli, Chief Scientific Advisor at March of Dimes, praised Dr. Lo’s contributions, stating, "Dr. Lo’s findings have drastically reduced the risks associated with invasive procedures and have improved early detection of chromosomal issues, contributing significantly to both maternal and fetal health. His work has also opened pathways for detecting maternal cancers, thereby enhancing our understanding of maternal health dynamics during pregnancy."

Impact on Maternal and Infant Health

Since the introduction of NIPT in 2011, the acceptance of this test as standard care across the United States has revolutionized prenatal screening. Data indicates that around 50% of pregnant women opt for this test in their first trimester, which screens for an array of chromosomal imbalances, including Trisomy 18 (Edwards syndrome) and Trisomy 13 (Patau syndrome).

Furthermore, advancements in NIPT have expanded its scope to include screening for rare chromosomal micro-deletions and several genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease. In recent years, this technology has garnered attention for its potential in detecting maternal tumors through analysis of cell-free RNA, paving the way for more comprehensive monitoring of health during pregnancy.

Dr. Lo expressed his gratitude for the recognition, stating,