Proteomics International, an Australian medical technology firm, is edging closer to achieving a significant breakthrough: the world’s first blood test for endometriosis. The company’s recent findings have demonstrated impressive success in differentiating between healthy individuals and those at the early stages of this challenging condition.
The PromarkerEndo blood test, developed by Proteomics, offers a non-invasive method capable of diagnosing all stages of endometriosis, potentially revolutionizing the way the disease is detected and managed.
Endometriosis occurs when tissue, similar to the lining of the uterus, grows outside of it, causing intense pain and infertility in many cases. Symptoms can include painful periods, chronic pelvic pain, and discomfort during or after intercourse. However, the disease remains notoriously difficult to diagnose.
Dr. Richard Lipscombe, Managing Director of Proteomics International, explained the advancements of their test to News-Medical. “We have identified 10 protein biomarkers—distinct ‘fingerprints’—in the blood that are found in women and girls with endometriosis,” he said. These biomarkers enable the accurate detection of the disease, even in its early stages.
Collaborating with the University of Melbourne and the Royal Women’s Hospital, Proteomics International conducted an extensive study involving 749 participants, including those with endometriosis and individuals with similar conditions. The results of the PromarkerEndo test were exceptional, demonstrating a remarkable 99.7% accuracy rate in identifying severe cases and an 85% accuracy rate for detecting early-stage endometriosis.
The study’s success is a crucial step toward offering a more efficient, cost-effective alternative to the current methods of diagnosing endometriosis, which often involve invasive procedures such as ultrasounds, MRIs, and laparoscopies. According to Dr. Lipscombe, this new blood test could dramatically reduce both the time and financial burden typically associated with diagnosing the disease.
Endometriosis is often linked to long-term health challenges, including infertility, and the World Health Organization (WHO) recognizes it as a condition that remains without a known prevention or cure. The launch of PromarkerEndo, however, offers hope for millions of women affected by the disease.
Proteomics International is preparing for the official rollout of the PromarkerEndo test in the second quarter of 2025, signaling a potential shift in the landscape of women’s health diagnostics. With its ability to detect endometriosis early and accurately, the PromarkerEndo test could become an invaluable tool in improving diagnosis, treatment, and overall outcomes for those affected by this often debilitating condition.
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