CSEM’s Tools for Life Sciences team is partnering with MOMM Diagnostics to develop a cutting-edge point-of-care solution for preeclampsia diagnostics. This ground-breaking multiplexed sensing device concurrently detects two crucial biomarkers related to this prevalent disease. The answer uses enzyme-linked lateral flow immunoassays (ELLFIA) with ion-sensitive electrodes in a disposable test cartridge. Alongside the event of the disposable test, a specialized digital readout device has been created. This integrated approach offers a point-of-care diagnostic test platform that’s 50 to 100 times more sensitive than traditional lateral flow immunoassays. MOMM Diagnostics’ comprehensive solution for rapid and reliable blood testing holds immense potential as a game-changer in clinical settings.
Successful collaboration between start-up MOMM Diagnostics and the Swiss technology innovation center CSEM (from left to right): Samantha Paoletti (CSEM), Bradley Petkus (CSEM), Christopher Wood (MOMM Diagnostics), Mark Fretz (CSEM) and Mathias Wipf (MOMM Diagnostics). They’re a sample of the preeclampsia test. Image Credit: © CSEM
Pregnancy is a time crammed with joy and happiness, but it could actually also bring about stress and anxiety on account of potential risks for each mother and baby. Amongst the assorted pregnancy complications, probably the most serious and potentially life-threatening conditions is preeclampsia affecting 3 to eight% of pregnant women. It’s characterised by hypertension and protein leakage within the urine, which may result in kidney failure, liver failure, seizures, stroke and even death. Women with a family history of preeclampsia, multiple pregnancies, pre-existing hypertension, and people who are obese or have diabetes are at higher risk.
The importance of early detection
The precise explanation for preeclampsia stays unknown, nevertheless it is believed to stem from inadequate development of the placenta, which supplies crucial oxygen and nutrients to the developing fetus. When the placenta doesn’t function optimally, it could actually lead to restricted blood flow, causing damage to the mother’s blood vessels and organs.
Preeclampsia is a treatable condition and, typically, each mother and baby make an entire recovery. Regular prenatal care and early detection are key to stopping the intense complications related to preeclampsia. Traditionally, preeclampsia is diagnosed through monitoring blood pressure, conducting urine protein tests, and evaluating organ function through blood tests. Unfortunately, these processes may be time-consuming, requiring multiple visits and causing anxiety for expectant moms. The invasive nature of the testing procedures may be uncomfortable and unfamiliar, adding to the stress. The waiting period for test results may be emotionally difficult, heightening fear and anticipation. False negatives or delayed detection can occur, posing risks for each the mother and the child. False positives, alternatively, may increase healthcare costs on account of unnecessary interventions and potentially hospitalizations.
Hope for pregnant women
Basel-based start-up MOMM Diagnostics makes a speciality of developing highly sensitive rapid diagnostic tests. Their first test in development focuses on a novel in-vitro diagnostic test for the early diagnosis of preeclampsia, created in collaboration with medical professionals. MOMM’s multiplexed point-of-care testing method is quick, accurate, minimally invasive, and may detect the condition at its early stages when treatment is only.
We analyze two very specific biomarkers in maternal blood. The assay is 50 times more sensitive than traditional rapid tests, detecting the 2 biomarkers in minute concentrations of several picograms per milliliter using antibodies. The specificity and sensitivity of the biomarkers utilized in our test are significantly higher than those of the present clinical diagnosis.”
Mathias Wipf, CEO and Co-founder of the Company.
MOMM Diagnostics received financial support from the Swiss Innovation Agency Innosuisse and from the Swiss Nanoscience Institute’s Nano Argovia program to work on an electrochemical biosensor for protein detection. The project also involved collaboration with FHNW University of Applied Sciences and Arts Northwestern Switzerland, in addition to CSEM’s Tools for Life Sciences team.
Rapid diagnostic test carried out within the doctor’s office
“The system resembles a pregnancy test but with electronic result evaluation,” explains the entrepreneur Wipf. “This presents one other advantage of the brand new test: The paper strip may be evaluated with a compact reader, providing a quantitative readout.” Since pregnant women frequently visit their gynecologists for check-ups, the test may be conducted of their practices without the necessity to ship blood samples to specialized diagnostics labs. This protects useful time – time wherein treatment can already be began.
CSEM’s interdisciplinary expertise has played an important role in the event of progressive point-of-care solutions. Together, we now have already created cutting-edge technologies with the potential to enhance healthcare outcomes for ladies worldwide. We’re proud to proceed our collaboration with the aim of advancing the event of such an progressive solution.”
Samantha Paoletti, Head of Research and Business Development, Life Science Technologies, CSEM.
CSEM and MOMM Diagnostics also collaborate throughout the European project NewLife, which focuses on developing a spread of progressive technologies for monitoring the health of girls and babies while pregnant and early childhood.
“With these projects we financed the event of our prototype”, emphasizes Mathias Wipf. “Now, we’re looking for investors to propel the technology to the following level. MOMM’s rapid preeclampsia test is projected to enter the market by 2025”. With its substantial market potential, Wipf anticipates double-digit million sales figures throughout the first five years. The Basel location, dedicated to R&D and production, is anticipated to expand to a team of 25 professionals.