At the Carlos Simon Foundation, together with our biotech spin-off iPremom, we have developed the first molecular test capable of predicting the risk of severe early-onset preeclampsia from the first trimester of pregnancy.
The study, published in Nature Communications, demonstrates that a simple blood test can identify women at risk up to five months before clinical symptoms appear, using cell-free RNA (cfRNA) and artificial intelligence algorithms as biomarkers.
The MaiRa Preeclampsia Test detects 83% of early-onset cases and correctly classifies 90% of pregnancies without risk. The results are based on the PREMOM clinical study, which involved more than 9,600 pregnant women from 14 hospitals across Spain.
“For the first time, we can obtain a reliable and early biological signal that enables physicians to act before the disease appears,” said Dr. Tamara Garrido, Scientific Director of iPremom. “Our technology opens the door to a new era in prenatal medicine, shifting from treating a severe event to preventing it.”
For over a decade, our team has studied the role of the maternal uterus in the origin of pregnancy complications. This research led to the discovery that preeclampsia leaves a molecular trace in maternal blood, linked to an endometrial alteration known as persistent decidualization resistance.
“In this study, we confirmed that early- and late-onset preeclampsia arise from distinct biological mechanisms,” explained Dr. Nerea Castillo, first author of the paper.
This achievement combines scientific knowledge, technological innovation, and artificial intelligence, paving the way for new strategies in prediction and prevention.
Currently, iPremom leads the iPregnostic study to validate the test in real-world clinical practice and support its integration into prenatal care protocols.
“After many years of research, we have been able to understand the mechanisms that trigger preeclampsia and develop a much-needed tool that could save many lives during pregnancy and childbirth,” said Professor Carlos Simon, President of the Carlos Simon Foundation.
Reference: Nature Communications (2025)