Singapore-based diagnostics developer and medical laboratory operator INEX Innovate has contributed an undisclosed sum to leading Hong Kong university – The Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), to collaborate and further research in the field of maternal foetal medicine. This initiative will tap on the research expertise of CUHK to further advance LEXI, a novel foetal cell isolation technology developed by INEX Innovate.

LEXI is a Non Invasive Prenatal Diagnostic (NIPD) technology that isolates foetal cells from the unborn baby, contained in the pregnant mother's blood for the definitive analysis of in excess of 7000 potential rare fetal genetic conditions.

Currently, expectant mothers whose prenatal screening results show signs of foetal anomaly are often recommended to undergo prenatal diagnostic tests for a definitive diagnosis of fetal genetic abnormalities, as this allows for early medical treatment of these conditions. However, prevailing diagnostic procedures such as amniocentesis are invasive and carry a risk of pregnancy loss of up to approximately 5 per cent.

"We are looking forward to developing  a potentially important breakthrough technology in the field of maternal foetal medicine," said Prof. Choy, Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology at The Chinese University of Hong Kong.