Method for predicting cervical shortening and preterm birth

US11149315B2 · kind B2 · utility

Assignee

• IMPERIAL COLLEGE OF SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY AND MEDICINE · GB

Inventors

• Joanna Cook · London, GB
• Philip Bennett · London, GB
• Vasiliki Terzidou · London, GB
• David Macintyre · Wallaroo, AU

Key dates

• Filing date: May 21, 2020
• Grant date: Oct 19, 2021
• Expiry date: May 21, 2040

Classification

• Technology area (CPC C): Chemistry; Metallurgy
• CPC primary: C12Q2600/178
• WIPO field: Biotechnology
• WIPO sector: Chemistry

Abstract

The present invention provides method for predicting risk of cervical shortening, methods for predicting risk of preterm labour (PTL), and methods for characterising a pregnant subject having a history of previous PTL, mid-trimester loss or cervical cone biopsy as being in need of surveillance and/or intervention to prevent preterm labour, comprising determining the expression level of one or more of the miRNA molecules identified in Table 1 or Table 2 extracted from a biological sample obtained from said subject and comparing to a control value. Biochips and kits for use in carrying out the methods of the invention are also provided.