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Doug Bright
Perth-based medical technology company Proteomics International is building a fortress of intellectual property around its innovative endometriosis test, branded PromarkerEndo, after IP Australia provided a notice of acceptance for a key patent application.
The company says the patent provides crucial IP protection in Australia for its proprietary blood test, which is used for the diagnosis and treatment guidance of endometriosis. The protection is expected to extend until March 2041, subject to grant and maintenance requirements.
The patent covers the core component of the technology which relates to the company’s unique methods of diagnosing endometriosis by measuring specific protein biomarkers in blood samples and using the results to guide treatment.
Endometriosis is a debilitating condition that affects one in nine women, yet diagnosis remains notoriously difficult. The current pathway often involves a long and arduous journey for patients with diagnosis typically taking an average of seven years and frequently requiring invasive laparoscopic surgery.
‘Securing patent protection in our home market of Australia is a critical step in our global commercialisation strategy.’
Proteomics International chief executive officer and managing director David Morris
Published clinical studies have shown Proteomics’ PromarkerEndo test has high accuracy for detecting endometriosis, including in the early stages of the disease. The test is designed to address this major unmet need by providing a simple, non-invasive diagnostic tool that could slash diagnosis times.
Proteomics International chief executive officer and managing director David Morris said: “The acceptance of the PromarkerEndo patent by IP Australia is a major achievement and a validation of the novelty and commercial potential of our innovative diagnostic test.”
This latest milestone is part of Proteomics’ global strategy to lock down the commercial rights for PromarkerEndo. The company has already secured granted patents in the major healthcare markets of Japan and the United States and is actively pursuing protection in Canada, China, Europe, India, Singapore and South Korea.
The US patent granted to Proteomics last month for its diagnostic endometriosis technology is a major milestone in the world’s largest healthcare market, supporting commercialisation and enabling future partnerships and licensing opportunities. And while patent protection provides a vital commercial defensive moat, getting the test into the hands of clinicians and patients is another critical step – a logistical challenge Proteomics has already moved to solve. The company inked an exclusive national distribution agreement in July with pathology giant Healius, giving it a clear pathway to market through Healius’ network of more than 2000 patient collection centres across Australia.
The company’s latest Australian patent acceptance comes as diagnostic innovation in women’s health attracts growing attention from investors, clinicians and health systems. Blood-based tests and biomarker platforms are increasingly seen as a way to deliver faster triage, earlier intervention and less reliance on invasive and costly procedures.
With its intellectual property now being secured in key markets and a national distribution pathway already established, Proteomics appears to have methodically assembled the core components for a successful commercial rollout.
For the millions of women forced to live with endometriosis, a faster, non-invasive diagnosis may now be a significant step closer to a cure for the condition.
Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au
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