Advancing Prenatal Screening: Why the Natera DYADS Study Matters to the CF Community

For those of us living with cystic fibrosis, we know firsthand just how critical time is. While

newborn screening is a vital tool that has given many babies a head start, it leaves a significant gap: answers only come after delivery. I wasn’t diagnosed until 18 months of age, so I know deeply that getting a diagnosis as early as possible drastically impacts care and prognosis.

Prenatal detection is uniquely critical today. Modulators are now available for young children, and new research is even exploring using CFTR modulators in utero to treat a baby before they are born, preventing early complications. Early knowledge is no longer just about planning, it’s about active, life-changing medical intervention.

This is exactly what Natera’s DYADS sample collection study is examining. They are developing a non-invasive prenatal test (NIPT) to screen an unborn baby for genetic conditions like CF using a simple maternal blood draw. For carriers, especially when testing a partner isn’t possible, this could provide vital answers early on. To make it a reality, Natera needs our community's help.

Study Logistics

The DYADS study is enrolling across the U.S. It is entirely observational, requiring no

medications, treatments, or travel. Here is how it works:

• Who is needed: The study requires participation from a biological female parent who is a known CF carrier, alongside a biological child (who may or may not have CF).

• Consenting: After connecting with a clinical trial team member to answer your questions, the biological mother signs a consent form. Children under 17 provide assent, while children over 18 sign their own consent.

• The sample collection: Natera has a nationwide network of mobile phlebotomists who will actually come directly to your home for the blood draw—no traveling required. If your child already has an upcoming clinic visit or sees a home nurse, Natera can ship the kit straight to you so your own familiar team can handle it.

• Compensation: Families are financially compensated for their time, covering both the sample collection and the retrieval of medical records.

Leaving a Legacy for Future Families Because this is a study to validate the test, participating

families won't receive individual genetic results. But by donating our samples we are helping

build the future of prenatal screening. We can help ensure that the next generation of expectant parents has the tools, clarity, and time they need to give their children the healthiest possible start.

Get Involved Today If you’re a person with CF and your biological mother is a CF carrier and

you want to help shape the future of prenatal genetic screening, please reach out to the Natera team to see if your family is a fit:

Email: DYADS@natera.com

Phone: (650) 674-4662

Website: Visit natera.com/info/dyads-study