Sequenom's European licensing partner LifeCodexx has launched its Praena test service in more than 70 prenatal clinics and hospitals in Germany, Austria, Liechtenstein and Switzerland following the CE mark approval.
LifeCodexx CEO Michael Lutz said based on the licensing agreement with Sequenom, LifeCodexx is pleased to provide such a testing service in the German speaking countries.
"The PraenaTest® fulfills the clinical requirement of physicians and patients as a safer method to assess the risk of a pregnancy carrying fetal trisomy 21," Lutz added.
The non-invasive genetic blood test intended for use among women whose pregnancies are at increased risk for fetal aneuploidy, specifically to detect fetal trisomy 21.
The test is also a complement to other prenatal assessments and can identify whether invasive diagnostic testing such as amniocentesis is necessary or not.
Sequenom chairman and CEO Harry S. Hixson, Jr said Sequenom is proud to see an international acceptance of its proprietary cell-free DNA technology through successful collaboration with LifeCodexx.
"We are pleased to see LifeCodexx providing the PraenaTest® for women who are at increased risk of carrying a child with trisomy 21," Hixson added.