Johnson & Johnson’s Commitment to Advancing Equity in Maternal Healthcare for BIPOC Communities

Kattayoun Kordy, MD, Head of Rare Disease and Maternal-Fetal Clinical Development, and Ashley Orillion, PhD, Principal Scientist

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The United States is facing a maternal mortality crisis, particularly among Black and Hispanic communities. The numbers are staggering: the U.S. maternal mortality rate is nearly ten times higher than in other affluent nations, with the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimating that 84% of these deaths are preventable [1]. Shockingly, maternal deaths rose by 14% during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic, disproportionately impacting Black women and birthing individuals, who accounted for one-third of these deaths despite comprising just over 13% of the population [2]. These disparities underscore the urgent need to address systemic inequalities in maternal healthcare.

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To advance equity in maternal healthcare, the Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine Research & Development team – in partnership with the Office of the Chief Medical Officer Health of Women – launched the Maternal-Fetal Immune Disorders QuickFire Challenge: Innovating for Health Equity. This initiative called upon U.S.-based innovators to submit data-driven research methodologies, tools, or technologies aimed at better understanding and addressing immune-mediated diseases of pregnancy in historically marginalized communities.

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The response to the challenge was inspiring, with two remarkable companies emerging as awardees: Acclinate and NX Prenatal Inc. ?

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Acclinate, a digital health company, provides relevant health information to historically marginalized communities and empowers individuals to make informed decisions about participating in clinical trials. The company’s platform, NOWINCLUDED, has already reached more than 53,000 community members, providing education on maternal-fetal health and clinical research participation.

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Similarly, NX Prenatal Inc., a molecular diagnostics company, is developing innovative tests to predict adverse pregnancy outcomes, particularly in women with autoimmune diseases. Utilizing a proprietary exosome-based liquid biopsy platform, the company’s diagnostic blood test shows promise in identifying high-risk pregnancies early on, focusing on BIPOC communities.

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Both Acclinate and NX Prenatal Inc. are not only addressing the immediate healthcare needs of underserved communities but also working towards systemic change. Acclinate’s community engagement strategies and technology-enabled solutions are increasing diversity in clinical trial participation. Meanwhile, NX Prenatal’s diagnostic platform has the potential to revolutionize prenatal care for women from historically underserved backgrounds.

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As part of our commitment to addressing disparities in maternal-fetal health, Johnson & Johnson will continue collaborating with innovative partners like Acclinate and NX Prenatal Inc. to expand health and research equity across diverse demographics.

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Awardees received grant funding from a pool of $500,000, along with membership in the global Johnson & Johnson Innovation – JLABS (JLABS) network and mentorship from across the Johnson & Johnson Family of Companies. This support network enables partners like Acclinate and NX Prenatal Inc. to develop and scale their solutions further, driving meaningful change in maternal healthcare.

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At Johnson & Johnson, we believe every mother and child deserves access to high-quality healthcare, regardless of race or socioeconomic status. By investing in innovative solutions and partnerships like the Maternal-Fetal Immune Disorders QuickFire Challenge, we are working towards a future where maternal healthcare disparities are a thing of the past. Partnering with innovators in the field, we can build a more equitable and inclusive healthcare system for all. #MaternalHealth #HealthEquity

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References:

1.?????? Trost SL, Beauregard J, Njie F, et al. Pregnancy-Related Deaths: Data from Maternal Mortality Review Committees in 36 US States, 2017-2019. Atlanta, GA: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, US Department of Health and Human Services; 2022.

2.??? Hoyert DL. Maternal mortality rates in the United States, 2020. NCHS Health E-Stats. 2022. DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.15620/cdc:113967