Mirvie's RNA platform revolutionizes detection of fetal growth restriction

In a recent interview with Contemporary OB/GYN, Kara Rood, a maternal-fetal medicine specialist at The Ohio State University, discussed Mirvie’s RNA platform and its potential to detect fetal growth restriction (FGR) early in pregnancy.

Rood explained that FGR refers to a fetus measuring below the tenth percentile for its gestational age, which can lead to serious complications. If left undetected, FGR increases the risk of adverse pregnancy outcomes, including stillbirth, as well as health issues for the baby after birth. Traditionally, clinicians assess fetal growth by measuring the mother’s abdomen with a measuring tape and using ultrasounds. However, these methods often detect FGR only later in pregnancy, limiting the window for early interventions.

Mirvie’s RNA platform represents a groundbreaking approach by using a simple maternal blood sample to analyze RNA from both the placenta and the fetus. The study discussed in the interview involved blood draws between 17 weeks and 4 days' and 22 weeks' gestation—well before conventional methods would detect FGR.

By identifying specific RNA patterns associated with FGR, this platform enables earlier risk stratification, allowing physicians to implement proactive interventions such as closer ultrasound monitoring, fetal heart rate assessments, and adjustments to delivery timing. These measures can significantly improve pregnancy outcomes and reduce complications.

Rood also highlighted how the platform was featured at the Society for Maternal-Fetal Medicine annual meeting, showcasing its broader applications. Mirvie’s RNA technology has already been used to predict preterm preeclampsia and spontaneous preterm birth. By detecting gene expression differences in maternal blood, it provides a non-invasive and highly effective alternative to traditional diagnostic tools.

From a clinical perspective, Rood sees this technology as a major advancement in personalized maternal-fetal care. As research continues, integrating Mirvie’s RNA platform into clinical practice could help physicians tailor pregnancy management based on individual risks, ultimately improving health outcomes for both mothers and their babies.