p|Brittany holds a doctorate in molecular and human genetics from Baylor College of Medicine, where she discovered a small RNA that regulates genomic mutation rate. She has founded several businesses including Pheramor, the world's first DNA-based dating app, and is a U.S. patent-holder on predicting personality from DNA.
Brittany holds a doctorate in molecular and human genetics from Baylor College of Medicine, where she discovered a small RNA that regulates genomic mutation rate. She has founded several businesses including Pheramor, the world's first DNA-based dating app, and is a U.
S. patent-holder on predicting personality from DNA. Additionally, Brittany has worked in venture capital and launched the Gulf Coast Branch for Capital Factory, the most active venture fund in Texas. Brittany noticed how underserved the women's health industry was and set out to bring awareness, resources and capital to it. She hosts the #1 femtech podcast, FemTech Focus, co-founded an early-stage femtech investment firm, Coyote Ventures, and founded FemHealth Insights, a boutique consulting firm with a market research software tool specializing in women's health innovation. Brittany Barreto, Ph.D., is a podcaster, an entrepreneur, and a molecular and human geneticist. Read her column here each month to learn about what’s happening in the world of technology and innovation in women’s health.or protein in the urine that appear only after the condition has developed. But a wave of new technologies could make it possible to detect preeclampsia earlier, helping healthcare providers manage risk before symptoms start.Thermo Fisher Scientific’s GestAssure test is a diagnostic tool used for pregnant women hospitalized with high blood pressure between 23 and 35 weeks of pregnancy. The test measures the levels of two proteins made by the placenta: sFlt-1, which increases in preeclampsia, and PlGF, which decreases. By analyzing the ratio of these proteins, GestAssure enables providers to predict whether a patient is at risk of developing preeclampsia within the next two weeks. A negative result can support safe discharge from the hospital, while a positive result may lead to closer monitoring or earlier delivery. And results are pretty quick. Most hospital labs can have them in about 30 minutes. Although this test has FDA approval, it is not yet reimbursed by insurance, which may mean it’s not an option for everyone.has developed a simple blood test called Encompass that can predict preeclampsia months before symptoms appear. The test uses RNA analysis and artificial intelligence to identify molecular signatures linked to preeclampsia, even in pregnancies without traditional risk factors. In a recentthat analyzed 9,000 pregnancies of women ages 35 and up with no pre-existing high-risk conditions, the test identified 91% of pregnancies that developed preterm preeclampsia. This proactive approach allows HCPs to start preventive care, such as prescribing low-dose aspirin or increasing monitoring, earlier. Like GestAssure, the Mirvie test is FDA-approved but not yet covered by insurance. Mirvie is working to make the test widely available in the near future.Delfina is designed with underserved and high-risk pregnancies in mind, offering a comprehensive pregnancy care platform that includes connected blood pressure monitors, educational resources and telehealth services. Their connected devices automatically sync with the Delfina app, increasing adherence to remote blood pressure monitoring protocols.of Delfina users showed patients using connected devices recorded more readings and were over six times more likely to stick with the monitoring program compared to those using manual devices. While Delfina is not yet widely available, still needs more research and doesn’t have the backing of a large organization like ACOG, the initial data is promising for managing high-risk pregnancies.offers a digital platform that connects with your physician and electronic medical records for remote monitoring of blood pressure during pregnancy, including tools tailored to a patient’s risk level. Patients receive a blood pressure cuff and use the BabyScripts app to log symptoms, track readings and learn important information about pregnancy. Your HCP is alerted if readings are elevated or if patients are not checking their pressure regularly. Research shows BabyScripts reduces the time to detect preeclampsia by, and 93% of both Black and white patients used the app to take their blood pressure at home. In fact, blood pressure monitoringBabyScripts is cleared by the FDA, covered by some insurance plans, and supported by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists , making it more accessible through standard prenatal care.is working on a urine-based test that detects protein linked to preeclampsia using an at-home strip, similar to a pregnancy test. This low-cost, easy-to-use test could improve early detection, especially for those in rural or underserved communities where it’s hard to get to an HCP. Protein in the urine and high blood pressure are two hallmark signs of preeclampsia. Making testing accessible at home could be a game-changer for early intervention, particularly among those who face barriers to regular prenatal visits. However, the test is not yet available and is still undergoing clinical development.While these tools represent exciting advances, many are not yet covered by insurance, which can limit access. Pregnant individuals often expect their care to be covered under bundled maternity benefits, and introducing new tests or technologies may come with out-of-pocket costs. Racial and socioeconomic disparities also persist. Black and Indigenous women face higher rates of preeclampsia and maternal death, and they may be less likely to be offered or have access to advanced screening technologies. To truly improve outcomes, these innovations must be paired with policy and reimbursement changes that ensure equitable access for all.From RNA blood tests to at-home urine strips, these technologies signal a shift from reactive to proactive pregnancy care. As the science grows and insurance coverage expands, these tools have the potential to save lives by identifying high-risk pregnancies earlier and empowering families and care teams to take action sooner. The information about products and/or services in this column does not constitute any form of endorsement or recommendation by HealthyWomen. Links are provided as a convenience and for informational purposes only. This column may occasionally cover companies in which Brittany Barreto is an investor.Halfway Through My “Normal” Pregnancy, I Was Told We’d Have to Deliver the Baby or We’d Both DieS. patent-holder on predicting personality from DNA. Additionally, Brittany has worked in venture capital and launched the Gulf Coast Branch for Capital Factory, the most active venture fund in Texas. Brittany noticed how underserved the women's health industry was and set out to bring awareness, resources and capital to it. She hosts the #1 femtech podcast, FemTech Focus, co-founded an early-stage femtech investment firm, Coyote Ventures, and founded FemHealth Insights, a boutique consulting firm with a market research software tool specializing in women's health innovation.
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