and will introduce them in early 2007. The reagents are designed to measure “the free beta subunit of human Chorionic Gonadotrophin (“Free hCGβ”) and Pregnancy Associated Plasma Protein A (“PAPP-A”), respectively, in maternal serum,” which are markers of Down syndrome. To read the press release from the company, go here.
I have mixed feelings about this news. I understand that the research is often market-driven, meaning that as long as consumers are interested in these sorts of tests, there will be more of them developed. But what I’d like to see is a commensurate development of support systems for parents who receive these early diagnoses.