104017Development of the first low cost, mass market, non-invasive prenatal diagnostics test for Down SyndromeClosedCollaborative R&DInnovate UKThe global market for non-invasive prenatal testing for Down Syndrome and other birth defects is expected to reach $7.2bn by 2022 (28% CAGR). Despite this rapid growth, the high cost ($500+) associated with the leading blood based DNA testing and issues regarding sex-determination compliance has meant in 98% of pregnancies in developing countries, including China, prenatal testing is either conducted i) invasive ii) late (3rd trimester) or iii) not at all - putting patients at risk, resulting in cultural stigma and leading to uninformed, underprepared healthcare decisions and provision. To address this, partners MAP IP Holding Ltd (Leading prenatal test experts) and Jiangsu Skyray Instrument Co., Ltd. (Global microbial hardware developers) are to develop the world’s first low cost, mass market, non-invasive prenatal diagnostic test for birth defects that can be taken in the first trimester of pregnancy - 4 weeks earlier than the leading DNA test. The project is based upon the spectral analysis of urine using a MALDI mass spectrometer and machine learning algorithms to identify the spectral signatures of particular birth defects. Earlier, cheaper, urine-based testing will increase the ease and availability of prenatal testing in developing countries, enabling better informed healthcare decisions earlier in a pregnancy. This not only will reduce the healthcare risk to patients but will support better state provision for and help reduce the stigma around Down Syndrome & other manageable conditions. With receptive markets in China, India, MENA as well as the UK, the project represents a joint £16m opportunity for Y1 -> £127m by Y5.