Natera, Inc. is a biotechnology company based in Austin, Texas, known for its expertise in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) testing. Founded in 2004, the company has pioneered the use of cfDNA analysis in several medical fields, including women’s health, oncology, and organ health. Natera's technology is designed to detect genetic variations with high precision, enabling non-invasive diagnostic testing that can inform patient care and treatment decisions.
In women’s health, Natera’s flagship product is the Panorama non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT), which screens for chromosomal abnormalities like Down syndrome using a simple blood draw from the mother. The company also offers Horizon, a carrier screening test that helps identify inherited genetic disorders, and Anora, a test for analyzing miscarriage tissue to identify potential causes. These tools aim to provide expecting parents with early, accurate, and actionable insights during pregnancy.
Natera has also made significant advancements in oncology with its Signatera test. This personalized test is used to detect molecular residual disease (MRD) in cancer patients, allowing doctors to monitor for cancer recurrence with greater accuracy and often earlier than traditional imaging methods. Signatera is increasingly used across multiple cancer types, such as colorectal and breast cancers, helping clinicians to tailor treatments more effectively.
In the field of organ health, Natera’s Prospera test is designed to assess the risk of organ transplant rejection. It works by measuring donor-derived cfDNA in a recipient’s blood, which can signal the onset of rejection. This non-invasive method supports more proactive transplant care and can reduce the need for invasive biopsies. Natera’s innovations continue to redefine standards in personalized medicine, with a strong emphasis on scientific rigor and clinical utility.