Siemens and Nephromics to Develop Preeclampsia Diagnostic Assays

Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics (Tarrytown, NY, USA) has entered into a licensing agreement with Nephromics, LLC (Chestnut Hill, MA, USA) to develop two assays to be used as an aid in the diagnosis of preeclampsia.

The assays being developed are for the detection of two biomarkers, soluble fms-like tyrosine-kinase-1 (SFLT-1) and placental growth factor (PLGF). Clinical studies have shown that these two assays, when used in conjunction with each other, are better predictors of preeclampsia than either marker alone. Under the terms of the agreement, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics will obtain rights for the development of the SFLT-1 and PLFG assays.

The addition of these assays will complement Siemens’ existing portfolio of integrated OB/GYN diagnostic solutions, which include both ultrasound imaging and reproductive endocrinology laboratory testing. Healthcare professionals are looking to the integration of in vitro and in vivo diagnostics in the practice of maternal/fetal diagnostic medicine.

Preeclampsia affects at least 5% to 8% of all pregnancies and is a leading cause of  maternal and fetal mortality. Currently, the standard methodologies for prescreening pregnant women at risk for preeclampsia are routine blood pressure monitoring and testing for protein in the urine during prenatal visits. However, with these methods, preeclampsia is often diagnosed at an advanced stage when there are limited treatment options.

“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, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. “The development of assays designed to detect preeclampsia earlier is an evolving area of diagnostic medicine, and we are excited to enter into the agreement with Nephromics to offer these diagnostic solutions to our customers, clinicians, and patients.”

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