image: BGI Genomics and Prom-Test Laboratories Launch First Localized NIPT Project in Armenia
Credit: BGI Genomics
BGI Genomics, with its partner Prom-Test Laboratories, celebrates the first localization of the Non-Invasive Prenatal Testing (NIPT) project in Armenia. The project launched in 2024 after a successful technology transfer from BGI Genomics.
Designed to broaden access to advanced prenatal diagnostics, the initiative is poised to transform prenatal care and significantly enhance health outcomes for expectant mothers across the country.
This successful localization was celebrated at the conference titled "Introducing Reliable and Risk-Free Prenatal Screening in Armenia – The NIFTY Test", held in Yerevan, Armenia. The event brought together more than 150 key stakeholders, including leading medical professionals, representatives from the Ministry of Health, and academic experts, to explore the future of prenatal care in the country. Arthur Melkonyan, Founding Director of Prom-Test Laboratories, described the launch as "an exceptional opportunity—one of the most impactful healthcare initiatives we've ever pursued."
The NIFTY® test, developed by BGI Genomics and now localized for Armenia, screens for Down syndrome (Trisomy 21), Edwards syndrome (Trisomy 18), Patau syndrome (Trisomy 13), and sex chromosome anomalies. Proven to outperform traditional tests, it requires only a maternal blood sample. It delivers over 99% accuracy with a much lower false-positive rate, significantly reducing the need for invasive follow-up procedures.
"The impact of this test is undeniable. We've already observed a decline in births with chromosomal anomalies in regions where it's been implemented," said Dr. Karine Tokhunts, Obstetrician-Gynecologist and Professor at Yerevan State Medical University. "Our ultimate goal is to make this technology accessible through state-funded programs, so no family is left behind due to a lack of reliable early screening."
The conference concluded with a panel of Armenia's top reproductive health experts discussing critical questions, including how to integrate NIPT into national healthcare standards, potential for replacing outdated screening methods, and ensuring broad public access.
"Our vision is a healthier Armenia, where every mother has access to safe, modern screening technologies," said Narine Ghazaryan, R&D Director at Prom-Test Laboratories. "This partnership marks a new era in prenatal healthcare (in Armenia)."
BGI Genomics' NIFTY® test has screened over 18.7 million pregnancies across 50+ countries. Cheng Jun, General Director of the central Asia at BGI Genomics, emphasized the broader potential of genomics in public health during her keynote.
"This is more than just one test. Our research has identified specific chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses that correlate with higher maternal cancers risks, demonstrating how prenatal genomics can serve as an early warning system," Cheng explains. "By expanding this work with Armenian partners, we're making strides toward equitable access to omics technologies for mothers in the world."
BGI Genomics has completed over 100 technology transfer projects across 36 countries, supporting the localization of its global operations. The company partnered with laboratories in nations including Indonesia, India, UAE, Mexico, Spain, and more. These efforts focused on transferring genetic screening technologies, including NIFTY®, Vista™ carrier screening, XOME™ clinical exome sequencing, COLOTECT® colorectal cancer screening, hereditary cancer, and HPV testing.
These collaborations offer comprehensive, affordable reproductive and cancer screening solutions, enhancing local healthcare capabilities and expanding access to early detection services for communities worldwide.
About NIFTY®
NIFTY® offers screening for some of the most common trisomies present at birth, including trisomy 21 (Down Syndrome), trisomy 18 (Edwards Syndrome) and trisomy 13 (Patau Syndrome). NIFTY® also provides testing options for sex chromosomal aneuploidies, chromosomal deletions/duplications and gender.
About BGI Genomics
BGI Genomics, headquartered in Shenzhen, China, is the world's leading integrated solutions provider of precision medicine. Our services cover more than 100 countries and regions, involving more than 2,300 medical institutions. In July 2017, as a subsidiary of BGI Group, BGI Genomics (300676.SZ) was officially listed on the Shenzhen Stock Exchange.