Siemens Announces Agreement to Develop Pre-Eclampsia Assays

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics has announced today that they are to collaberate with Nephromics LLC, to develop two assays which will assist with pre-eclampsia diagnosis. Pre-eclampsia is a potentially life-threatening condition that occurs during pregnancy and can be fatal to both mother and uborn child.

The assays being devoloped will detect two biomarkers, soluble fms-like tyrosine-kinase-1 (SFLT-1) and placental growth factor (PLGF), both of which have been shown to provide early indication of pre-eclampsia in clinical studies.

Pre-eclampsia is characterised by high blood pressure and protein in the urine. The condition is rapidly progressing and is a leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality. Symptoms experienced by pregnant women include swelling, sudden weight gain, headaches and visual disturbances. However, some women report few symptoms despite rapidly advancing disease.

Current screening for at risk women includes routine blood pressure monitoring, and testing for protein in the urine during prenatal check ups. Unfortunately, using these methodologies, pre-eclampsia is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when treatment options are limited.

“Given the prevalence and associated mortality with preeclampsia, clinicians need better diagnostic tools to identify the condition before it becomes advanced,” said Dave Hickey, CEO, Chemistry, Immunoassay, Automation, and Diagnostics IT Business Unit at Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. “The development of assays designed to detect pre-eclampsia earlier is an evolving area of diagnostic medicine - we are excited to enter into the agreement with Nephromics to offer these diagnostic solutions to our customers, clinicians and patients.”

The addition of the pre-eclampsia assays will complement Siemens’ existing portfolio of integrated OB/GYN diagnostic solutions, which include both ultrasound imaging and reproductive endocrinology laboratory testing designed to help clinicians address the lifelong reproductive health needs of their patients. Increasingly, healthcare professionals are looking to the integration of in vitro and in vivo diagnostics in the practice of maternal/fetal diagnostic medicine.

“Nephromics is pleased to work with a leader in diagnostic medicine with a strong commitment to advancing maternal/fetal wellness,” said John Gerber, CEO, Nephromics LLC. “Together, I am confident that we will be able to make these tests available to healthcare professionals and their patients throughout the world.”