SALT LAKE CITY, Jan. 23, 2017 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sera Prognostics, Inc., a women’s healthcare company, today announced the presentation of ongoing research evaluating the underlying mechanisms of significant pregnancy complications that result in preterm birth, use of progesterone as an intervention and employing Sera’s innovative proteomic technology platform to predict a woman’s risk for spontaneous and medically-indicated preterm birth. These data will be presented at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine’s 37th Annual Pregnancy Meeting in Las Vegas, Nevada, on January 23-28, 2017.
The following research will be presented:
Abstract #337: Use of a second trimester serum-based proteomic risk classifier for prediction of spontaneous and medically indicated preterm birth, presented by Kim Boggess, M.D., Professor, Division of Maternal Fetal Medicine, University of North Carolina, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology.
- Poster Session II: January 26, 2017, 4:00-5:30PM, Octavius Ballroom.
Abstract #356: PPROM and PTL phenotypes are characterized by differences in underlying biochemical pathways, presented by George Saade, M.D., Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston.
- Poster Session II: January 26, 2017, 4:00-5:30PM, Octavius Ballroom.
Abstract #113: Exposure to 17-alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate (17P) influences expression of maternal serum proteins in progesterone signaling pathways, presented by Tracy Manuck, M.D., Assistant Professor and Director, Prematurity Prevention Clinic, University of North Carolina.
- Oral Presentation- Basic Science 2: Oral Concurrent Session 9. January 28, 2017, 10:45AM in Milano V-VI.
About the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine (SMFM)
SMFM was established in 1977 to provide a forum for maternal-fetal medicine physicians and scientists to share knowledge, research methods and clinical best practices in order to improve the care of mothers and babies.
About Preterm Birth
According to the March of Dimes, globally preterm birth affects 15 million infants each year, with 1 million deaths occurring from prematurity. Of nearly 4 million babies born annually in the U.S., approximately one in ten is born prematurely. Preterm birth is defined as any birth before 37 weeks gestation, and is the leading cause of illness and death in newborns. Prematurity is associated with a significantly increased risk of major long-term medical complications, including learning disabilities, cerebral palsy, chronic respiratory illness, intellectual disability, seizures, and vision and hearing loss, and can generate significant costs throughout the lives of affected children.
About the PreTRM® Test
The PreTRM® test is the first and only clinically validated blood test that provides an early and individual risk prediction for spontaneous preterm birth in asymptomatic, singleton pregnancies. The PreTRM test measures and analyzes proteins in the blood that are highly predictive of preterm birth. The PreTRM test can help physicians identify early in the pregnancy (as early as 19 weeks of gestation) which women are at increased risk for premature delivery, enabling more informed clinical decisions based on each woman’s individual risk. The PreTRM test enables researchers to better understand the causes of preterm birth and to develop new therapies to improve newborn health.
The PreTRM test is ordered by a medical professional.
For more information about the PreTRM® test, please visit www.PreTRM.com and the PreTRM® test YouTube Channel. You can also join the conversation on Facebook and @PreTRM.
About Sera Prognostics, Inc.
Sera Prognostics, a women’s health company, develops innovative diagnostic tests focused on the early prediction of preterm birth (PTB) risk and other complications of pregnancy. Sera has launched its PreTRM® test, the first and only clinically validated blood test to accurately predict early in pregnancy the risk of premature birth. The test objectively reports to the physician the risk of premature delivery, enabling earlier proactive interventions designed to prolong gestation and improve neonatal health outcomes. Sera’s proprietary technology addresses both the health and economic challenges of PTB. The Company’s strong management team has significant clinical development and women’s healthcare diagnostic experience. Sera is backed by highly respected healthcare investors, including Domain Associates, InterWest Partners, Catalyst Health Ventures, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, and LabCorp. Currently, Sera is working with the Gates Foundation to translate the Company’s discoveries into technologies well suited for low-income countries in its journey to improve maternal and infant health globally. Sera Prognostics is located in Salt Lake City, Utah. For more information, please visit the company’s website at www.seraprognostics.com.