Natera's Prospera Test Cuts Invasive Lung Biopsies in Landmark Study — Natera, Inc.

Event summary

Natera's Prospera test reduced invasive biopsies in 75% of low-risk lung transplant patients at OSU-WMC.
Study found no significant difference in rejection rates, lung function, or immunologic stability for patients who omitted the 9-month biopsy.
Prospera-guided monitoring maintained patient safety and outcomes while reducing procedural risks.
The prospective clinical trial was published in Transplantation Direct on January 26, 2026.

The big picture

Natera's study aligns with the broader trend in precision medicine to minimize invasive procedures through non-invasive diagnostics. The success of Prospera in lung transplants could set a precedent for similar applications in other organ transplants, potentially expanding Natera's market reach. The findings also underscore the growing importance of dd-cfDNA surveillance in personalized transplant care.

What we're watching

Clinical Adoption: How quickly other transplant centers adopt Prospera-guided monitoring to reduce invasive procedures.
Regulatory Approval: Whether the study results accelerate regulatory approval for broader use of dd-cfDNA surveillance in lung transplants.
Cost Savings: The pace at which payers recognize and reimburse Prospera testing as a cost-effective alternative to routine biopsies.