7th October 2015: Igenomix, a reproductive genetics laboratory, has recently introduced a non-invasive prenatal genetic screening test-NACE®- in India. It is scientifically stated to be a potential alternative to other conventional prenatal genetic screening techniques such as double and triple marker screening, amniocentesis and chorionic villus sampling, used for the detection of chromosomal abnormalities. Some conventional techniques are not as accurate and sensitive whereas others are invasive in nature, posing a high risk of miscarriage. NACE® is reported to be completely harmless for both the mother and the baby. It just requires the mother’s blood sample extracted from a vein.
Igenomix claims that NACE® gives accurate results in just 7-10 days. “Generally, the NIPT (non-invasive prenatal testing) techniques are used only in high-risk pregnancy cases. However, NACE[® ]is risk free in both low-risk and high-risk pregnancy,” says Dr. Rajni Khajuria, Igenomix Lab Manager, India.
Several chromosomal abnormalities such as Down’s Syndrome, Patau’s Syndrome, and Edward’s Syndrome occur due to frequent chromosomal alterations in the developing fetus. Early detection of these abnormalities helps in timely counseling of would be parents. With the help of NACE®, parents can now check for these abnormalities from as early as 10th gestation week. As per the report published by Transparency Market Research, global NIPT market, which stood at 0.53 Billion USD in 2013, is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 17.5% during 2014-2022 period and is projected to be a USD 2.38 billion entity in India. It is expected that the Indian Market would also accept this new technology with open hands.
Dr. Carlos Simón, CSO of Igenomix, strongly believes that Igenomix has strived hard to reach up to this level. The launch of NACE® will bring a revolution in the Indian market and will indeed help families have healthy children for generations ahead.
