Natera Launches Proprietary AI Foundation Models to Accelerate Diagnostic and Therapeutic Innovation

Proprietary platform is built on one of the largest multimodal oncology datasets, including 250,000+ tumor exomes, 1 million+ plasma timepoints, and enriched clinical and imaging records

AUSTIN, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Natera, Inc. (NASDAQ: NTRA), a global leader in cell-free DNA and precision medicine, today announced the launch of its proprietary AI foundation model platform. These models and applications, which were developed in-house, are designed to drive innovation across therapeutic development, from early target discovery to real-time clinical decision support. The platform features a modular, multimodal architecture composed of three integrated layers:

1. Data foundation layer
   At its core is one of the largest longitudinal, multimodal oncology datasets ever compiled, purpose-built for AI training. This includes de-identified data from more than 250,000 tumor exomes and over 1 million longitudinal plasma timepoints, enriched with clinical records, treatment histories, digital imaging, expression profiling and outcomes data. This high-fidelity dataset enables scalable, AI-ready model development.
   
   
2. Core model layer
   Leveraging over 1 billion parameters, the core AI foundation model is trained on de-identified Signatera™ and Altera™ datasets and integrates genomic, clinical, and imaging modalities. It is designed to power discovery in multiple domains, including biomarker development, patient stratification and therapeutic response prediction.
   
   
3. Application layer
   Several AI-driven applications support clinical decision-making and drug development:

• Digital Patient Simulator: Virtually simulates patients for treatment optimization, such as suggesting next-line therapies and de-escalation opportunities. It can also predict patient outcomes.
• Real-Time Trial Matching: Uses molecular and clinical data to identify trial-eligible patients and accelerate recruitment. This engine can also simulate virtual trials to optimize study design and reduce development risk.
• NeoPredict: An advanced algorithm that predicts individual immunotherapy responses based on tumor genomics and neoantigen presentation.

Two recent pilot programs of the digital patient simulator demonstrated excellent performance, supporting its potential to enhance clinical decision making in oncology. Results from the first pilot showed that Natera’s algorithm can accurately recommend immunotherapy based on real-world electronic health record data. The second pilot showed outperformance of both tumor mutational burden and standalone pathology-based metrics in predicting immunotherapy response.

“These new tools represent a major leap forward in our ability to design next-generation diagnostics and therapeutics,” said Steve Chapman, CEO of Natera. “By combining our unparalleled data assets with sophisticated AI models built entirely in-house, we’re establishing long-term differentiators that will shape the future of precision medicine. The early results are extremely encouraging, and we believe the potential to transform patient care is substantial.”

About Natera

Natera™ is a global leader in cell-free DNA and genetic testing, dedicated to oncology, women’s health, and organ health. We aim to make personalized genetic testing and diagnostics part of the standard-of-care to protect health and inform earlier, more targeted interventions that help lead to longer, healthier lives. Natera’s tests are supported by more than 300 peer-reviewed publications that demonstrate excellent performance. Natera operates ISO 13485-certified and CAP-accredited laboratories certified under the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) in Austin, Texas, and San Carlos, California. For more information, visit www.natera.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release are forward-looking statements and are not a representation that Natera’s plans, estimates, or expectations will be achieved. These forward-looking statements represent Natera’s expectations as of the date of this press release, and Natera disclaims any obligation to update the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including with respect to whether the results of clinical or other studies will support the use of our product offerings, the impact of results of such studies, our expectations of the reliability, accuracy, and performance of our tests, or of the benefits of our tests and product offerings to patients, providers, and payers. Additional risks and uncertainties are discussed in greater detail in "Risk Factors" in Natera’s recent filings on Forms 10-K and 10-Q, and in other filings Natera makes with the SEC from time to time. These documents are available at www.natera.com/investors and www.sec.gov.