Progenity, a provider of complex molecular and specialized diagnostic testing services, announced the acquisition of Carmenta Bioscience, a leader in preeclampsia diagnostic development.
With this acquisition, Progenity continues its mission of helping families prepare for life, through the development of diagnostic tests for preeclampsia.
Preeclampsia, a hypertensive disorder of pregnancy, is often difficult to distinguish from other hypertensive disorders, leading to unnecessary preterm birth and in some cases, maternal or fetal death. Up to one million expectant mothers present with preeclampsia-like symptoms each year in the US.
The former CEO of Carmenta, Matthew Cooper, PhD, has been appointed Chief Scientific Officer for Progenity and will lead scientific strategy for the company. Other details of the acquisition are not being disclosed.
"I am excited to join the Progenity team as we expand our portfolio of innovations and develop new opportunities. Carmenta was drawn to Progenity by its mutual commitment to expectant mothers and families, and the desire to create solutions to unmet medical needs," said Cooper.
Dr. Cooper serves on the board of directors for the Preeclampsia Foundation, holds an advisory role for the SPARK translational research program at the Stanford School of Medicine, and leads the medical neighborhood at StartX, the Stanford start-up accelerator.
"Today we announce our continued dedication to harnessing advanced science for the clinical benefit of both physicians and patients," said Dr. Harry Stylli, Executive Chairman of Progenity.
"Matthew is a dynamic addition to our leadership team as we continually strive to expand our proprietary and innovative test offerings."
Progenity is a privately held company providing complex molecular and specialized diagnostic tests to clinicians with a focus on clear, actionable results that enable informed and timely medical decisions.