For the first time in the world, a noninvasive prenatal test has entered the public health program.
Constance, Germany - Many pregnant women insured in Switzerland can now take the PrenaTest® test.
PrenaTest®, the first non-invasive prenatal test in Europe to detect fetal chromosomal abnormalities by maternal blood, has been included in compulsory health insurance in Switzerland since July 15, 2015. This decision was made by the Federal Department of the Interior (EDI) on the recommendation of the Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (BAG).
Mandatory health insurance will cover the cost of the PrenaTest® test for pregnant women from the twelfth week of pregnancy whose first trimester screening showed an increased risk of trisomy 21, 18 and 13 chromosomes, minimum 1:1000. Compared to the invasive procedure, PrenaTest® poses no risk associated with fetal loss. The Swiss Federal Office of Public Health (BAG) therefore expects that the number of invasive examinations will be significantly reduced.
"We are very pleased that PrenaTest® is now available to many women in Switzerland. This has been an important goal of ours." ," Dr. Michael Lutz, CEO of LifeCodexx AG, commented on EDI's decision. "The application for inclusion of the test in the program was already made at the end of 2013. The positive decision of the Swiss authorities is confirmation that the PrenaTest® is a safe and reliable method and is now fully recognized by doctors. To date, about 5,000 pregnant women in Switzerland have already chosen PrenaTest®."
For the first time in the world, the non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) is recognized and funded by the public health system. In spring 2015, LifeCodexx AG concluded an agreement with the leading Swiss health insurance company Helsana, which now covers the costs of insured pregnant women for the PrenaTest® study.
In Germany, PrenaTest® will enter the health insurance program on a trial basis. To date, more than 50 private and public health insurance programs in Germany and Switzerland have been paid for. More than 2,000 gynecologists in German-speaking countries already offer PrenaTest® to pregnant women who are at risk.
About LifeCodexx AG
The company is headquartered in Constance, Germany. LifeCodexx AG has been developing innovative and clinically validated non-invasive diagnostic tests based on the latest molecular genetic testing methods since 2010.
Developed by LifeCodexx A.G., PrenaTest® was the first non-invasive prenatal test in Europe to detect the most common fetal chromosomal abnormalities and has significantly changed prenatal diagnosis since its introduction in 2012. The test is performed in Germany, in strict compliance with the highest quality standards.
