For four decades, Revvity has been at the forefront of prenatal screening innovation, transforming how healthcare providers identify and manage pregnancy-related conditions. From pioneering Down syndrome screening in the 1980s to developing cutting-edge non-invasive prenatal testing systems, the company's contributions have shaped modern prenatal care and improved outcomes for millions of families worldwide.
Pioneering the foundation: The 1980s-1990s
Revvity's prenatal journey began in the early 1980s with alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) testing for neural tube defects. The breakthrough came in 1984 when Professors Cuckle and Wald discovered that low AFP levels were associated with Down syndrome1. Our DELFIA™ AFP assay, with its exceptional dynamic range and sensitivity, proved ideal for both applications, a versatility that caught the attention of leading researchers.
This early endorsement by key opinion leaders established a pattern that would define Revvity's approach: building strong partnerships with the clinical community to drive innovation and adoption. The relationship with Professor Cuckle, which began in 1986, has continued for more than 40 years, exemplifying the company's commitment to long-term collaboration.
The 1990s brought further advances. When Professor Kypros Nicolaides published groundbreaking research on nuchal translucency and first-trimester screening in 19922., Revvity responded quickly, launching PAPP-A and free beta-HCG kits. In 1993, following the discovery that free beta-HCG was superior to total HCG for second-trimester screening, Revvity launched both AFP and free beta-HCG assays on the AutoDELFIA system, the first screening system for population screening.
Building industry leadership: 2000-2010
The year 2000 marked another milestone with the launch of LifeCycle software, developed in collaboration with Professor Cuckle. This risk calculation platform became widely adopted in prenatal screening and continues to serve the field today.
Recognizing the need for quick, prenatal risk assessment, we introduced the DELFIA Xpress in late 2003, enabling the One-Stop Clinic for Assessment of Risk (OSCAR) concept.
A pivotal relationship developed with Professor Nicolaides and the Fetal Medicine Foundation. By 2008, Revvity had installed its DELFIA Xpress at the Harris Birthright Centre at King's College Hospital in London.
Expanding beyond aneuploidy: the pre-eclampsia journey
Our commitment to addressing unmet clinical needs led to groundbreaking work in pre-eclampsia screening. Beginning in 2004 with research partnerships with Professors Poston and Shennan, the company explored using placental growth factor (PlGF) for first-trimester screening, a concept initially met with skepticism.
Persistence paid off.
In 2010, Revvity launched a PlGF kit, becoming an early market entrant in this emerging field. Continued research led to the second-generation PlGF1-2-3 assay, which was selected for the landmark ASPRE study3.. This EU FP7 grant-funded trial screened over 30,000 women and demonstrated that aspirin intervention could prevent 62% of pre-term pre-eclampsia cases and 82% of early pre-eclampsia cases, results that exceeded all expectations.
The introduction of several international guidelines for pre-eclampsia screening such as ISUOG (International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology) in 2018 and FIGO (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics) in 2019 represented a major milestone, though the journey toward universal adoption continues.
Global leadership and innovation: 2010-present
By 2018, Revvity launched the Vanadis system, among the first NIPT platforms designed to be cost-effective enough to screen all women, not just high-risk populations. The company's reach expanded in all continents, particularly in China, where since 2004 Revvity has supported the Ministry of Health in developing comprehensive prenatal screening programs. Revvity has grown into a global leader in prenatal screening.
Conclusion: a legacy of partnership and innovation
Our success in prenatal healthcare stems from a consistent strategy: building deep relationships with clinical leaders, investing in long-term research partnerships, and maintaining an unwavering commitment to quality and integrity. The company has developed a complete portfolio of assays, platforms, and software solutions that continue to set industry standards.
With a strong foothold in the obstetrics community and ongoing research into unmet clinical needs, Revvity is well-positioned for the future. As testing evolves toward more decentralized and accessible solutions, the company's decades of experience and trusted relationships will continue driving innovation in prenatal care.
From that first AFP assay in the 1980s to today's sophisticated NIPT systems, our journey reflects a commitment to improving maternal and fetal health outcomes worldwide, a legacy that continues to evolve and expand.
References:
- Cuckle HS, Wald NJ, Lindenbaum RH. Maternal serum alpha fetoprotein measurement: a screening test for Down syndrome. Lancet. 1984;1(8383):926–9.
- Nicolaides KH, Azar G, Byrne D, Mansur C, Marks K. Fetal nuchal translucency: ultrasound screening for chromosomal defects in first trimester of pregnancy. BMJ. 1992;304(6831):867–9.
- Rolnik DL, Wright D, Poon LC, et al. Aspirin versus placebo in pregnancies at high risk for preterm preeclampsia. N Engl J Med. 2017;377(7):613–22. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1704559. 1
For in vitro diagnostic use. DELFIA, AutoDELFIA, DELFIA Xpress and Vanadis systems and LifeCycle software are only available where licensed in accordance with law. Please contact your local representative for availability. Revvity Inc. does not endorse or make recommendations with respect to research, medication, or treatments. All information presented is for informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. For country-specific recommendations, please consult your local healthcare professionals.
