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Highlights
- Proteomics International Laboratories unveils PromarkerEndo blood test, capable of diagnosing all stages of endometriosis with high accuracy.
- The test’s breakthrough results, published in Human Reproduction, could revolutionize diagnosis, reducing reliance on invasive laparoscopy.
- Shares soar 19.8% to 72.5 cents as the company targets a Q2 2025 launch in Australia and explores global licensing opportunities.
Shares of Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd (ASX:PIQ) surged nearly 20% on Monday to 72.5 cents after the company announced a major breakthrough in diagnosing endometriosis. Its PromarkerEndo blood test, detailed in a recent study published in Human Reproduction, demonstrated high accuracy in identifying all stages of the debilitating condition.
Endometriosis affects millions of women worldwide, often causing years of diagnostic delays due to the reliance on invasive laparoscopy. Proteomics International’s innovative test could transform this landscape by offering a simple, non-invasive solution.
The PromarkerEndo Test
The study, conducted in collaboration with the Royal Women’s Hospital and the University of Melbourne, analyzed plasma samples from 805 participants across two independent clinical groups. Using advanced proteomics and statistical modeling, the team developed three diagnostic models.
The standout model, Model 3, achieved near-perfect accuracy in diagnosing severe endometriosis (AUC: 0.997) and showed excellent performance for earlier disease stages (AUCs >0.85 for stages I–III). The test uses a panel of 10 plasma protein biomarkers to screen for the condition, potentially eliminating the need for invasive surgery to confirm diagnosis.
“PromarkerEndo has the potential to revolutionize how we diagnose and manage endometriosis,” said Proteomics International in a statement.
Significant Economic and Social Impact
Endometriosis is a chronic condition that causes severe pain and infertility, costing Australia $9.7 billion annually in healthcare expenses and lost productivity. Current diagnostic methods involve invasive laparoscopy and histopathology, making early diagnosis challenging.
PromarkerEndo’s non-invasive approach could address this gap, enabling early intervention and reducing the physical and financial burden on patients and healthcare systems.
Next Steps and Launch Timeline
Proteomics International is accelerating efforts to bring PromarkerEndo to market, with a target launch in Australia set for Q2 2025. Key developments include:
- Adapting for Clinical Use: Refining the test’s diagnostic algorithm using a “traffic light” system for improved clinical performance.
- Global Expansion: Engaging in discussions for licensing in women’s health and fertility markets.
- Direct-to-Consumer Potential: Leveraging its existing framework for other diagnostic tests, such as PromarkerD for diabetic kidney disease and PromarkerEso for esophageal cancer.
- Validation Study: Conducting clinical validation with samples from the University of Oxford.
- Cloud-Based Software Hub: Developing a platform for reporting patient results.
Market Response and Outlook
The breakthrough announcement has boosted investor confidence, propelling Proteomics International’s shares nearly 20% higher.
