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Forbes
a day ago
- Health
- Forbes
How Two Fathers Turned Personal Crisis Into Preeclampsia Innovation
Left to right: Mirvie management team: Maneesh Jain, cofounder and CEO, Michal Elovitz, MD and Chief ... More Medical Advisor, Steve Quake, PhD and cofounder When Maneesh Jain's wife went into what was supposed to be routine labor nearly 20 years ago, he was shocked by how quickly everything unraveled. 'It went from a normal pregnancy to an emergency C-section in a matter of minutes,' he recalled. 'And I was left wondering, how is it that we know so little about something that matters so much?' For Dr. Steve Quake, a similar moment came when his first daughter was born a month early. 'It really shook me,' he said. 'That's what drew me into maternal and fetal health. At the time, we had an amniocentesis done—and that's what started me down the path to develop non-invasive prenatal testing (NIPT).' Both men, scientists by training and fathers by life experience, were driven by their daughters' births to solve one of medicine's most neglected problems: the inability to predict serious pregnancy complications before they strike. In 2018, they co-founded Mirvie, a company that uses RNA technology to anticipate and prevent preeclampsia, a condition that affects one in 12 pregnancies and can lead to seizures, organ failure, and even death. Their work has helped shift the model of maternal care from a reactive to a proactive approach. Despite advancements in maternal care, preeclampsia remains one of the most dangerous pregnancy complications in the U.S. and globally. The global preeclampsia diagnostics market is expected to grow substantially, rising from $2.2 billion in 2024 to $5.8 billion by 2034. The preeclampsia laboratory testing market is valued at $16.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to nearly double to $31.4 billion by 2032. The current screening tools rely heavily on maternal age, BMI, race, and family history—imprecise proxies that leave both patients and physicians 'flying blind,' said Jain, CEO at Mirvie. The consequences are not just short-term. Research shows that preeclampsia can result in long-term health complications for both mothers and babies, including increased risks of cardiovascular disease, kidney disease, and developmental challenges in children. preeclampsia-related medical costs in the U.S. alone total an estimated $2.18 billion in the first year after birth—$1.03 billion for maternal care and $1.15 billion for infant care. 'It's nearly impossible to pinpoint who will develop preeclampsia,' said Dr. Dallas Reed, a medical geneticist at Tufts Medicine and a member of Mirvie's clinical advisory board. 'The risk factors are too broad to be meaningful. As a result, care physicians struggle to have focused, proactive conversations about this serious condition, because nearly every pregnant woman qualifies as 'at risk.'' Mirvie's solution is Encompass, a simple blood test that can be taken at home around 18 weeks of gestation, aligned with the fetal anatomy scan, to detect molecular signatures that predict preeclampsia well before symptoms emerge. In a groundbreaking study involving over 10,000 pregnancies, Encompass was able to identify 91% of women who went on to develop preterm preeclampsia. Those identified as low-risk had a 99.7% likelihood of not developing the condition. 'What's revolutionary here is that the signal comes from RNA, which tells us what's happening in real-time during pregnancy—not what you inherited, but what your body is doing,' said Quake. 'It gives us a biological window into the future.' Reed added, 'That's why I'm so excited about Mirvie's Encompass test. For the first time, we can offer pregnant people a clear, personalized assessment of their preeclampsia risk—early enough to make a real difference. Encompass empowers us to deliver timely, individualized care to the patients who need it most.' Recognizing that diagnosis is only the first step, Mirvie took it a step further. The company sponsored the first multi-stakeholder, patient-centered care plan to prevent preeclampsia, published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology in 2023. Created with input from OB-GYNs, midwives, doulas, nurses, and patients, the care plan outlines practical, evidence-based steps—such as taking low-dose aspirin, monitoring blood pressure, and making key lifestyle adjustments. It's designed to help both patients and providers feel more prepared and confident when managing the risks associated with preeclampsia. 'We heard from OBs that the test alone wasn't enough—they needed to know what to do with the results,' said Jain. 'So we created a comprehensive action plan that brings everyone to the table.' While Jain and Quake acknowledge the historical imbalance in who gets heard in healthcare conversations, they view their role not as replacing women's voices but amplifying them. 'One of the challenges in women's health is that it's often marginalized—treated as a niche,' said Jain. 'But this isn't just a women's issue. It's a family issue. If a mom has preeclampsia, that affects the baby's lifelong health, too.' Quake added: 'This is a problem that touched both of our lives. We didn't take it on out of theory. We took it on for the sake of our families.' They've built Mirvie with that philosophy in mind: The company is majority women, empathy is a core corporate value, and product development involves constant feedback from patients and OB-GYNs. 'We've spoken with thousands of pregnant people and providers,' said Jain. 'Everything we've built reflects what they told us they needed.' Mirvie has raised over $75 million in venture capital funding. It also received a $4.6 million grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to study the effectiveness of RNA-based testing in Sub-Saharan Africa, with research sites in Ghana, Cameroon, and Zambia. 'Being impacted by serious complications in both my pregnancies, it was just so clear to me that a company like Mirvie needs to exist,' said Holly Maloney, managing director at General Catalyst. 'We must shift the paradigm from reactive to proactive prenatal care to improve outcomes.' Still, maternal health remains vastly underfunded. Between 2019 and 2024, investment in women's health grew by 200%, but it still accounts for only about 2% of all healthcare investment. Jain believes that's starting to change. 'We've seen that when you present hard data and real-world impact, investors take notice,' he said. 'But we still need to make the case that this isn't niche—it's fundamental. It's about healthier families and healthier futures.' This Father's Day, Jain and Quake are proof that parenthood doesn't just change lives—it can help save them. What began as fear in a delivery room has turned into a mission to protect millions of families from the dangers of preeclampsia. With science, empathy, and a deep commitment to change, these two dads are giving maternal health the attention—and innovation—it deserves.
Yahoo
16-05-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
New Alzheimer's Treatments Could Slow Memory Loss—Here's What to Know
Research is constantly evolving in the world of cognitive health, including for neurological diseases for which there are currently no cures or guaranteed preventive methods. In regards to the most common—Alzheimer's disease—we asked a leading geriatric psychiatrist to offer insights into the latest findings in treatment, screening and holistic care. The current research around treatment is advancing toward disease-modifying therapies to address the underlying biology of Alzheimer's disease in different ways, explains Brent Forester, MD, Psychiatrist-in-Chief and Chair for the Department of Psychiatry at Tufts Medical Center, Director of Behavioral Health for Tufts Medicine and Professor of Psychiatry. Here we break down both the existing medications to help with cognitive complaints as well as those still in clinical trials or development. There are currently two medications that are approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of Alzheimer's: donanemab (brand name Kisunla) and lecanemab (brand name Leqembi). The two recently introduced compounds are anti-amyloid therapeutics, meaning they are designed to stick to and help remove amyloid beta protein. Abnormal buildup of amyloid plaques in the brain is believed to contribute to memory loss. And while removing these proteins appears to slow disease progression, neither medication will completely stop or reverse Alzheimer's. 'We know for sure based on the research that's been done that when you look at before-and-after of amyloid brain scans, amyloid is high and then it essentially goes completely away after treatment,' confirms Dr. Forester. Dr. Forester emphasizes that these drugs are most effective when administered in people with early stages of Alzheimer's disease before significant cognitive decline occurs. Once someone is no longer able to function, drive or pay their bills, even if amyloid is removed from the brain, it's too late for the drugs to have a clinically-beneficial effect. 'There's only a [specific] window where these will potentially be beneficial, and that is in the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) stage, where there is mild cognitive impairment and normal functioning, or in the very mild Alzheimer's-type dementia stage where people are just mildly affected from a cognitive and functional standpoint,' explains Dr. Forester. Right now, these drugs are only approved and available to be delivered through intravenous infusions. That means people are required to come into an infusion center either every other week or once a month to get an hour-long IV treatment, he notes. There are also side effects associated with the drugs, especially those that may present more serious complications. Dr. Forester says two big concerns are bleeding or swelling of the brain, for which certain genetic factors can increase risk. Over the next few years, it is likely that Alzheimer's drugs examining specific tangled protein fibers in the brain will advance through clinical trials, predicts Dr. Forester. 'There are also a number of compounds being studied to address other pathways that have not been addressed thus far,' he says. 'These are more directed at inflammation, energy metabolism, oxidative stress—more basic underlying pathways that contribute to the disease.' There is currently no definitive diagnostic method for Alzheimer's. According to the National Institute on Aging, if cognitive decline is suspected, doctors may ask a patient (or a family member) if they are experiencing certain symptoms and ask questions about their overall health, use of prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diet, past medical problems, ability to carry out daily activities and changes in behavior and personality. To land on a diagnosis of Alzheimer's, doctors may also: Conduct tests of memory, problem solving, attention, counting and language Order blood, urine and other standard medical tests to rule out other conditions Administer a psychiatric evaluation to determine if depression or another mental health condition is causing or contributing to a person's symptoms Collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) via a spinal tap and measure the levels of proteins associated with Alzheimer's and related dementias Perform various brain scans Dr. Forester notes that researchers are also getting 'very close' to having a blood-based biomarker that could be used for clinical practice. The two purposes of a biomarker would be to find the disease early enough that a difference could be made from a treatment perspective, as well as to track the effectiveness of the treatment. 'Once an individual advances past the early dementia stage, these new treatments are ineffective, so it's really important to talk to your doctor right away and ask what could be helpful,' he advises. 'Don't be afraid.' Advancements in Alzheimer's Treatment: Research is progressing towards disease-modifying therapies for Alzheimer's, focusing on addressing the underlying biology of the disease. Two FDA-approved medications, donanemab and lecanemab, are designed to remove amyloid beta protein, which is believed to contribute to memory loss. Effectiveness and Administration of Current Drugs: These drugs are most effective in the early stages of Alzheimer's, specifically during mild cognitive impairment (MCI) or very mild dementia stages. They are administered through intravenous infusions, but come with potential side effects like brain bleeding or swelling. New Medications in Development: Future Alzheimer's treatments may target tangled protein fibers and other pathways like inflammation and oxidative stress. These developments are expected to progress through clinical trials in the coming years. Testing and Diagnosis: Currently, there is no definitive diagnostic method for Alzheimer's. Diagnosis involves a combination of cognitive tests, medical evaluations and brain scans. Researchers are close to developing a blood-based biomarker for early detection and treatment tracking. Importance of Early Detection: Early detection is crucial as new treatments are ineffective once the disease progresses beyond the early dementia stage. Patients are encouraged to consult their doctors early if cognitive decline is suspected. An AI tool helped compile and summarize the key takeaways in this story. The story was then edited by Woman's World staff. More cognitive decline: Early Signs of Dementia in Women Doctors Say You Shouldn't Ignore—It Can Even Raise Your Cholesterol Can Your Vision Predict Your Dementia Risk? Research Suggests It Can Certain Alzheimer's Risks May Be Within Your Control, Say Doctors: How to Keep Your Mind SharpThis content is not a substitute for professional medical advice or diagnosis. Always consult your physician before pursuing any treatment plan.
Boston Globe
11-03-2025
- Health
- Boston Globe
RFK Jr. touts vitamin A and cod liver oil for measles. Here's what the science says.
Here are four recent statements Kennedy made about measles and what infectious disease experts had to say about his handling of the crisis so far. 'The decision to vaccinate is a personal one.' In an opinion piece published by Dr. Shira Doron, chief infection control officer for Tufts Medicine, said it was problematic for the country's top public health official to not more aggressively endorse vaccination amid the current outbreak. Advertisement 'Some vaccines could be a personal choice. For example, even the CDC leaves some leeway on certain vaccines,' said Doron, including one for Measles, best known for the signature red rash it causes, infects 9 out of every 10 unvaccinated people exposed to it. But it is also highly preventable. Two doses of the MMR vaccine — the first typically given when children are between the ages of 12 and 15 months and the second given between the ages of 4 and 6 years old— are 97 percent effective at preventing infection and provide lifelong immunity for most people. Advertisement Herd immunity for measles requires a 95 percent vaccination rate, yet in the Texas county where measles has been spreading, 'Studies have found that vitamin A can dramatically reduce measles mortality.' While it's true that the World Health Organization 'We've never done a trial in the U.S., so I can't tell you for certain whether it's beneficial or it's not,' said Dr. Alfred Sommer, a professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and a contributor to a 2020 report by the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases that The American Academy of Pediatrics notes that 'many US experts concur with administering vitamin A to all children in the United States with measles, regardless of hospitalization status' and adds that However, vitamin A, unlike vaccination, cannot prevent measles. It's also important for parents to consult doctors before giving children vitamin A, because it's possible to overdose. In a recent Fox News interview, Kennedy also claimed that children with measles in Texas were being given cod liver oil, which is naturally high in vitamin A. Advertisement Doron expressed confusion over Kennedy's claims. 'You would not administer vitamin A that way,' she said. 'It doesn't have even close to what you would give if you were administering medical-grade vitamin A.' Vitamin A — along with vitamin supplementation in general — has long been promoted by anti-vaccine activists as an alternative to vaccination for disease prevention, including by the anti-vaccine organization Children's Health Defense, which Kennedy 'If you are healthy it's almost impossible for you to be killed by an infectious disease in modern times.' Kennedy made this claim in an 'Of course, a balanced diet is very important for health, but a nutrition rich diet alone will not stop the most contagious disease in the world from infecting an unvaccinated child,' said Michael Osterholm, director of the Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy at the University of Minnesota last week on his Doron echoed his comments. 'People should absolutely pay attention to their underlying health, including exercise, a healthy diet, stress management, smoking cessation, and optimizing chronic diseases like diabetes with medications,' she said. 'Doing so will boost the immune system and reduce the risk of complications. However, even healthy people contract infectious diseases, have complications, and die.' 'By 1960 — before the vaccine's introduction — improvements in sanitation and nutrition had Doron criticized Kennedy's historical framing of measles mortality. 'It's not percentages that we should care about, it's absolute numbers,' she said. 'We were seeing 400 to 500 deaths a year [prior to the introduction of vaccination], on top of that permanent disability in children due to measles.' Long-term effects of measles can include deafness, lung scarring, and sometimes fatal brain damage, Doron added. Advertisement 'MMR vaccines and other vaccines are safe,' said Dr. Vandana Madhavan, a pediatric infectious disease specialist at Mass General for Children. 'Unfortunately, that does not get the same amount of media attention as anti-vaccine misinformation, which has led to a greater rate of vaccine hesitancy,' 'If vaccine skepticism continues to spread, we're going to see more outbreaks of diseases that had become rare in the U.S.,' Madhavan added. Nathan Metcalf can be reached at
