Proteomics International Laboratories has announced an expanded research collaboration with the University of Melbourne and the Royal Women’s Hospital aimed at enhancing diagnostic capabilities for endometriosis. This partnership focuses on advancing the PromarkerEndo blood test, designed for early detection of this debilitating condition that affects approximately one in nine women and girls worldwide. Notably, the company is also working toward developing a next-generation tissue-specific test, which could revolutionize the precision of endometriosis diagnosis.
The new agreement builds upon a successful four-year partnership and aims to accelerate the clinical validation of PromarkerEndo. This first-in-class blood test has been showing promising results in studies involving over 900 participants. With a planned launch in 2023 in Australia, the collaboration is expected to incorporate around 300 new patient samples equipped with detailed clinical data, further solidifying the test’s credibility on a global scale.
Collaborative Efforts Address Long Delays in Diagnosis
Diagnosis of endometriosis can often take as long as seven years, leaving many affected individuals in prolonged discomfort. According to Dr. Richard Lipscombe, managing director of Proteomics International Laboratories, this collaboration is a significant step in addressing a chronic condition that has been historically challenging to diagnose. “This is an important collaboration as we bring PromarkerEndo to market in the coming months,” he stated.
The PromarkerEndo test employs protein biomarkers to provide a straightforward “traffic light” risk score—categorized as low, moderate, or high—allowing healthcare professionals to make informed decisions more easily. This innovative approach not only simplifies the diagnostic process but also enhances communication between doctors and patients regarding risks associated with endometriosis.
Future Directions and Innovations in Diagnostics
Proteomics International Laboratories is actively expanding its diagnostics portfolio at its new industrial-scale laboratory located in Perth, Australia. The dual collaboration with the University of Melbourne and Royal Women’s Hospital not only aims to validate existing testing methods but also seeks to explore tissue-specific biomarkers that could accurately identify the location of endometriosis within the body—a breakthrough previously thought unattainable through blood tests alone.
The advancements in the PromarkerEndo project reflect Proteomics’ commitment to providing effective diagnostic tools for complex medical conditions. As this partnership progresses, it holds the potential to significantly alter the landscape of endometriosis diagnosis, ultimately improving the quality of life for many individuals affected by this condition.
