Mirvie Launches Preeclampsia Prevention Toolkit

Roughly one in every 12 pregnancies is estimated to be affected by preeclampsia, a pregnancy condition that causes high blood pressure. It stands as a significant contributor to both maternal and fetal mortality rates, along with potential long-term issues for survivors.

According to data referenced by the CDC, this condition accounts for over 70,000 maternal deaths and 500,000 fetal deaths globally each year. Notably, black women in the U.S. are highly impacted by this issue.

In light of these alarming figures, Mirvie is at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness about preventive measures against preeclampsia.

The startup, currently engaged in developing a blood test designed to forecast the risk of preeclampsia in pregnant individuals several months before the onset of symptoms, has endorsed the establishment of the inaugural clinical care plan dedicated to preventing preeclampsia. In observance of Preeclampsia Awareness Month in May, the startup has transformed this care plan into an educational toolkit, marking the launch of a newly initiated campaign.

Under the banner of the “Preeclampsia Prevention is Possible” campaign, hosted on Mirvie’s official website, a range of downloadable resources is available. These resources primarily target clinicians, aiding them in the early identification of preeclampsia symptoms and in formulating tailored care strategies for patients deemed at high risk. Furthermore, the campaign site offers access to the official care plan as well as Mirvie’s own research on predicting the risk of preeclampsia.

Eleni Tsigas, Preeclampsia Foundation CEO, remarked, “Preeclampsia is often viewed as a complication with limited ability to intervene early and lower the risk of developing the condition.”

She added that there are multiple tools available in the preeclampsia toolbox that help providers get better insight into their patients’ conditions, which helps lower the lifelong health impacts of the disease.

Included in the campaign’s toolkit are posters directed at clinicians, serving as reminders that “prevention is possible” and shedding light on the typical signs and symptoms of preeclampsia.

Additionally, there’s a concise checklist tailored for physicians, showing the primary measures for preventing the complications in high-risk patients. A comprehensive discussion guide has been prepared, offering detailed insights into the steps within three categories – namely ‘monitoring’, ‘medication and labs’, and ‘nutrition and lifestyle’. This guide provides more extensive information on how each action might contribute to averting preeclampsia.

One of the research studies linked to the “Preeclampsia Prevention is Possible” campaign site is a 2022 study indicating that Mirvie’s blood test, powered by the RNA platform, successfully identified 75% of pregnancies that subsequently developed preeclampsia, several weeks before symptoms appeared.

In the same year, Mirvie achieved the FDA’s breakthrough device designation for its test, a milestone that will help overcome some regulatory hurdles. Subsequently, as of November last year, the company had completed the enrollment phase of a 10,000-person study evaluating its RNA platform.