Researchers have hypothesized that asparagine-linked glycosylation protein 3 homolog (ALG3) may be involved in the pathogenesis of preeclampsia by impacting the function of trophoblasts. Preeclampsia is still the leading cause of maternal and perinatal mortality and morbidity, but the mechanism behind it is still not clear.
Scientists at Massachusetts General Hospital have linked the risk of heart failure during pregnancy and senescence proteins produced by placental aging, which could clarify how peripartum cardiomyopathy (PPCM) is triggered and opens the door to the development of cardiac function therapies in late pregnancy.
Aska Pharmaceutical Co. Ltd., a subsidiary of Aska Pharmaceutical Holdings Co. Ltd., and Red Arrow Therapeutics Inc. have signed a joint research agreement to develop a new treatment for preeclampsia using advanced nanotechnology.
The U.S. FDA granted clearance to two tests developed by Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. to predict preeclampsia, Brahms PIGF plus Kryptor and Brahms sFlt-1 Kryptor. Both had previously received breakthrough designation. Preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder, is the leading cause of maternal and fetal mortality and morbidity across the globe.
Comanche Biopharma Corp. has received IND clearance from the FDA to conduct a first-in-human study of CBP-4888, its novel, small interfering ribonucleic acid (siRNA) therapy to treat pre-eclampsia.
The U.K.’s National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has added two placental growth factor (PIGF)-based tests developed by Perkinelmer Inc. to guidance on diagnosing suspected preterm preeclampsia. The Waltham, Mass.-based company’s kit and Delfia Xpress soluble fms-like tyrosine kinase 1 (sFlt-1) kit are recommended to screen levels of PIGF and Sflt-1, both key biomarkers in the pathophysiology of preeclampsia. The guidance means health care providers across the U.K. will be able to use the test, along with a standard clinical assessment, to confirm suspected preterm preeclampsia in women from 20 weeks of pregnancy onwards.
Proving that reproduction remains a fecund market for investment, Israeli startup Fairtility Ltd. closed a $15 million series A funding round. Led by Boston-based Gurnet Point Capital with support from Nacre Capital and others, the round boosted Fairtility’s funding to date up to $18.5 million.
Mirvie Inc. has secured U.S. FDA breakthrough device designation for its pre-eclampsia risk test. The blood test combines machine learning and liquid biopsy technology to provide an RNA profile that predicts pregnancy risks before symptoms occur. It is the first test to be recognized by the FDA for the early identification of pre-eclampsia.
