Patents by Inventor Milena Banjevic

Milena Banjevic has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

  • Patent number: 11459615
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for simultaneously amplifying multiple nucleic acid regions of interest in one reaction volume as well as methods for selecting a library of primers for use in such amplification methods. The invention also provides library of primers with desirable characteristics, such as minimal formation of amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 2020
    Date of Patent: October 4, 2022
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, Matthew Micah Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Styrmir Sigurjonsson, Zachary Demko
  • Patent number: 11450408
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 5, 2021
    Date of Patent: September 20, 2022
    Assignee: NATERA, INC.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Zachary Demko, Matthew Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner, Styrmir Sigurjonsson
  • Patent number: 11408031
    Abstract: Methods for non-invasive prenatal paternity testing are disclosed herein. The method uses genetic measurements made on plasma taken from a pregnant mother, along with genetic measurements of the alleged father, and genetic measurements of the mother, to determine whether or not the alleged father is the biological father of the fetus. This is accomplished by way of an informatics based method that can compare the genetic fingerprint of the fetal DNA found in maternal plasma to the genetic fingerprint of the alleged father.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: August 9, 2022
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Allison Ryan, Styrmir Sigurjonsson, Milena Banjevic, George Gemelos, Matthew Hill, Johan Baner, Matthew Rabinowitz, Zachary Demko, Bernhard Zimmerman
  • Publication number: 20220195526
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for increasing the fidelity of measured genetic data, for making allele calls, and for determining the state of aneuploidy, in one or a small set of cells, or from fragmentary DNA, where a limited quantity of genetic data is available. Poorly or incorrectly measured base pairs, missing alleles and missing regions are reconstructed using expected similarities between the target genome and the genome of genetically related individuals. In accordance with one embodiment, incomplete genetic data from an embryonic cell are reconstructed at a plurality of loci using the more complete genetic data from a larger sample of diploid cells from one or both parents, with or without haploid genetic data from one or both parents. In another embodiment, the chromosome copy number can be determined from the measured genetic data, with or without genetic information from one or both parents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 3, 2022
    Publication date: June 23, 2022
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew RABINOWITZ, Milena BANJEVIC, Zachary DEMKO, David JOHNSON, Dusan KIJACIC, Dimitri PETROV, Joshua SWEETKIND-SINGER, Jing XU
  • Patent number: 11345960
    Abstract: Methods for non-invasive prenatal paternity testing are disclosed herein. The method uses genetic measurements made on plasma taken from a pregnant mother, along with genetic measurements of the alleged father, and genetic measurements of the mother, to determine whether or not the alleged father is the biological father of the fetus. This is accomplished by way of an informatics based method that can compare the genetic fingerprint of the fetal DNA found in maternal plasma to the genetic fingerprint of the alleged father.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 19, 2018
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Allison Ryan, Styrmir Sigurjonsson, Milena Banjevic, George Gemelos, Matthew Hill, Johan Baner, Matthew Rabinowitz, Zachary Demko, Bernhard Zimmerman
  • Patent number: 11345962
    Abstract: Methods for non-invasive prenatal paternity testing are disclosed herein. The method uses genetic measurements made on plasma taken from a pregnant mother, along with genetic measurements of the alleged father, and genetic measurements of the mother, to determine whether or not the alleged father is the biological father of the fetus. This is accomplished by way of an informatics based method that can compare the genetic fingerprint of the fetal DNA found in maternal plasma to the genetic fingerprint of the alleged father.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 31, 2022
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, Matthew Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Styrmir Sigurjonsson, Zachary Demko
  • Patent number: 11339429
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 24, 2022
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Zachary Demko, Matthew Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner, Styrmir Sigurjonsson
  • Patent number: 11332785
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2019
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Zachary Demko, Matthew Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner, Styrmir Sigurjonsson
  • Patent number: 11332793
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for simultaneously amplifying multiple nucleic acid regions of interest in one reaction volume as well as methods for selecting a library of primers for use in such amplification methods. The invention also provides library of primers with desirable characteristics, such as minimal formation of amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 30, 2020
    Date of Patent: May 17, 2022
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, Matthew Micah Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Styrmir Sigurjonsson, Zachary Demko
  • Patent number: 11326208
    Abstract: Methods for non-invasive prenatal paternity testing are disclosed herein. The method uses genetic measurements made on plasma taken from a pregnant mother, along with genetic measurements of the alleged father, and genetic measurements of the mother, to determine whether or not the alleged father is the biological father of the fetus. This is accomplished by way of an informatics based method that can compare the genetic fingerprint of the fetal DNA found in maternal plasma to the genetic fingerprint of the alleged father.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 14, 2021
    Date of Patent: May 10, 2022
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, Matthew Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Styrmir Sigurjonsson, Zachary Demko
  • Publication number: 20220139495
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 11, 2022
    Publication date: May 5, 2022
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew RABINOWITZ, George GEMELOS, Milena BANJEVIC, Allison RYAN, Zachary DEMKO, Matthew HILL, Bernhard ZIMMERMANN, Johan BANER, Styrmir SIGURJONSSON
  • Patent number: 11322224
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2014
    Date of Patent: May 3, 2022
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Zachary Demko, Matthew Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner
  • Patent number: 11306357
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a sample of DNA from the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and from genotypic data from the mother and optionally also from the father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a set of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. In an embodiment, the mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 12, 2014
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Zachary Demko, Matthew Hill, Bernhard Zimmerman, Johan Baner
  • Patent number: 11306359
    Abstract: A system and method for determining the genetic data for one or a small set of cells, or from fragmentary DNA, where a limited quantity of genetic data is available, are disclosed. Genetic data for the target individual is acquired and amplified using known methods, and poorly measured base pairs, missing alleles and missing regions are reconstructed using expected similarities between the target genome and the genome of genetically related subjects. In accordance with one embodiment of the invention, incomplete genetic data is acquired from embryonic cells, fetal cells, or cell-free fetal DNA isolated from the mother's blood, and the incomplete genetic data is reconstructed using the more complete genetic data from a larger sample diploid cells from one or both parents, with or without genetic data from haploid cells from one or both parents, and/or genetic data taken from other related individuals.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 28, 2019
    Date of Patent: April 19, 2022
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, Milena Banjevic, Zachary Demko, David Johnson
  • Publication number: 20220098667
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for simultaneously amplifying multiple nucleic acid regions of interest in one reaction volume as well as methods for selecting a library of primers for use in such amplification methods. The invention also provides library of primers with desirable characteristics, such as minimal formation of amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2021
    Publication date: March 31, 2022
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew RABINOWITZ, Matthew Micah HILL, Bernhard ZIMMERMANN, Johan BANER, George GEMELOS, Milena BANJEVIC, Allison RYAN, Styrmir SIGURJONSSON, Zachary DEMKO
  • Patent number: 11286530
    Abstract: The invention provides methods for simultaneously amplifying multiple nucleic acid regions of interest in one reaction volume as well as methods for selecting a library of primers for use in such amplification methods. The invention also provides library of primers with desirable characteristics, such as minimal formation of amplified primer dimers or other non-target amplicons.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 9, 2021
    Date of Patent: March 29, 2022
    Assignee: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, Matthew Micah Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Styrmir Sigurjonsson, Zachary Demko
  • Publication number: 20220073978
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew RABINOWITZ, George GEMELOS, Milena BANJEVIC, Allison RYAN, Zachary DEMKO, Matthew HILL, Bernhard ZIMMERMANN, Johan BANER
  • Publication number: 20220073979
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a mixed sample of DNA comprising DNA from both the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and optionally from genotypic data from the mother and father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a plurality of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. The mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias, for example using massively multiplexed targeted PCR.
    Type: Application
    Filed: November 18, 2021
    Publication date: March 10, 2022
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew RABINOWITZ, George GEMELOS, Milena BANJEVIC, Allison RYAN, Zachary DEMKO, Matthew HILL, Bernhard ZIMMERMANN, Johan BANER
  • Publication number: 20220042103
    Abstract: The present disclosure provides methods for determining the ploidy status of a chromosome in a gestating fetus from genotypic data measured from a sample of DNA from the mother of the fetus and from the fetus, and from genotypic data from the mother and optionally also from the father. The ploidy state is determined by using a joint distribution model to create a set of expected allele distributions for different possible fetal ploidy states given the parental genotypic data, and comparing the expected allelic distributions to the pattern of measured allelic distributions measured in the mixed sample, and choosing the ploidy state whose expected allelic distribution pattern most closely matches the observed allelic distribution pattern. In an embodiment, the mixed sample of DNA may be preferentially enriched at a plurality of polymorphic loci in a way that minimizes the allelic bias.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 22, 2021
    Publication date: February 10, 2022
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew Rabinowitz, George Gemelos, Milena Banjevic, Allison Ryan, Zachary Demko, Matthew Hill, Bernhard Zimmermann, Johan Baner
  • Publication number: 20220033908
    Abstract: Disclosed herein is a system and method for increasing the fidelity of measured genetic data, for making allele calls, and for determining the state of aneuploidy, in one or a small set of cells, or from fragmentary DNA, where a limited quantity of genetic data is available. Poorly or incorrectly measured base pairs, missing alleles and missing regions are reconstructed using expected similarities between the target genome and the genome of genetically related individuals. In accordance with one embodiment, incomplete genetic data from an embryonic cell are reconstructed at a plurality of loci using the more complete genetic data from a larger sample of diploid cells from one or both parents, with or without haploid genetic data from one or both parents. In another embodiment, the chromosome copy number can be determined from the measured genetic data, with or without genetic information from one or both parents.
    Type: Application
    Filed: October 15, 2021
    Publication date: February 3, 2022
    Applicant: Natera, Inc.
    Inventors: Matthew RABINOWITZ, Milena BANJEVIC, Zachary DEMKO, David JOHNSON, Dusan KIJACIC, Dimitri PETROV, Joshua SWEETKIND-SINGER, Jing XU