SARASOTA, Fla. (May 12, 2026) – Pregnant women on the Suncoast have the opportunity to take part in a global study aimed at improving prenatal screening and helping families understand their baby’s health before birth.
Led locally by obstetrician-gynecologist Larry Matsumoto, MD, FACOG, of Sarasota Memorial’s First Physicians Group, in conjunction with Sarasota Memorial’s Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute, the ADVANCE study uses a single maternal blood sample to screen both mother and baby for a range of genetic conditions that can affect growth, development, and health, with results provided in one clear report.
The study is sponsored by BillionToOne Inc., known for its prenatal screening platform UNITY®, which combines maternal carrier screening with single-gene prenatal testing from a single sample. If a mother is identified as a carrier for certain genetic conditions, such as cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, sickle cell disease, and alpha-thalassemia, additional testing is automatically performed on the same maternal blood sample to assess the baby’s risk.
The study, which supports the development and validation of new prenatal screening and diagnostic assays while enhancing the accuracy of existing testing methods, aims to enroll 1,000 participants across up to 10 sites globally.
“Prenatal testing can be stressful, but the ADVANCE study gives moms more accurate information earlier in pregnancy,” said Dr. Matsumoto. “By participating, families are helping shape the future of prenatal care and potentially improving outcomes for babies.”
Sarasota Memorial’s Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute is now enrolling local patients. The study is open to:
- Women who are 10 to 16 weeks pregnant and at increased risk for chromosomal differences or abnormalities.
- Women who are 10 to 16 weeks pregnant and undergoing prenatal diagnostic testing.
For more information or to find out if you are eligible to participate in the local study, contact the research team at (941) 917-2225 or researchinstitute@smh.com.
About the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute
Located on the flagship Sarasota Memorial Hospital-Sarasota campus, the Kolschowsky Research and Education Institute serves as a premier hub for medical research and clinical innovation. With dedicated space for research, clinical innovation and graduate medical education, the Kolschowsky Institute provides a collaborative learning environment for physicians, nurses, researchers and students studying new treatments and mastering the latest tools and techniques in patient care. Through state-of-the-art simulation labs, hands-on training programs, and a robust portfolio of clinical studies, Sarasota Memorial and the Kolschowsky Institute play a vital role in advancing medical knowledge, improving patient outcomes, and shaping the future of healthcare in the region. For more information, visit: www.smh.com/research.