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Dr. Dennis Lo Receives Prestigious March of Dimes Award

In a significant recognition of research in maternal and infant health, March of Dimes is proud to announce the illustrious Dr. Dennis Lo, PhD, as the esteemed recipient of the 2025 March of Dimes Richard B. Johnston, Jr., MD Prize. This award, which honors individuals who have made groundbreaking advancements in understanding pregnancy, childbirth, and prenatal development, highlights Dr. Lo's exceptional contributions to the field.

Dr. Lo, a respected figure in the realm of prenatal diagnostics, is commonly referred to as the “father of non-invasive prenatal testing” (NIPT). His journey began with a monumental discovery in 1997 — the identification of circulating fetal DNA in maternal blood. This pivotal finding has led to the development of non-invasive testing methods that have transformed prenatal care for women, allowing for safe and accurate detection of genetic conditions, such as Down syndrome in utero.

According to Dr. Emre Seli, March of Dimes' Chief Scientific Officer, “It is impossible to overstate the tremendous impact of Dr. Lo's discoveries on the health of mothers and babies over the last fifteen years. His work has significantly decreased the risks associated with invasive screening methods, facilitated early detection of chromosomal anomalies, and has even contributed to the detection of maternal cancers.”

The Richard B. Johnston Prize, named in honor of a former pediatric professor and medical director at March of Dimes, comes with a cash award. This accolade aligns seamlessly with March of Dimes' mission to address critical challenges impacting maternal and infant health in the United States. Notably, among previous laureates, eight have gone on to receive the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.

Since the introduction of NIPT in 2011, the procedure has quickly become the standard of care in the U.S., with approximately half of pregnant women opting for this test in their first trimester to screen for chromosomal abnormalities and to determine the sex of their child. Originally developed to detect Down syndrome, the scope of NIPT has broadened to include conditions such as Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18), Patau syndrome (trisomy 13), and Turner syndrome (monosomy X). Furthermore, advancements in NIPT now enable the detection of rare chromosomal imbalances, microdeletions, and single-gene disorders like cystic fibrosis and sickle cell disease.

In recent years, the method has garnered attention for its potential in detecting maternal cancers and opened avenues for research utilizing circulating RNA to glean insights regarding the fetus, placenta, and mother. This has contributed to predicting gestational age and the risk of complications such as preterm delivery and preeclampsia.

Upon receiving the award, Dr. Lo expressed his gratitude, stating, “I am honored to accept this award from March of Dimes, an organization that shares my commitment to translational research aimed at enhancing health outcomes.” He further reflected on witnessing the ascension of prenatal testing to a standard of care globally as a capstone achievement of his career.

The award ceremony for Dr. Lo will occur during the 2025 Annual Meeting of the Society for Reproductive Investigation in Charlotte, North Carolina, on March 29, 2025. Dr. Lo holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Cambridge and both his medical and philosophy degrees from the University of Oxford.

For more information regarding the March of Dimes and its initiatives, visit marchofdimes.org. Together, let us strive to ensure the best possible start for every family.