Technology

There is currently no diagnostic test available to predict pre-eclampsia. Until there is, up to 10% of all pregnancies will continue to be complicated as a result of this disorder. Our kit will be the first of its kind available. It will be immensely attractive to healthcare providers, who will make considerable savings in resources and avoid litigation as a result of its use. The pre-eclamptic diagnostic test will not only be able to detect the condition it will be used to detect the onset of the disorder, giving it a clear competitive edge over any other tests that might currently be in development. Our primary focus is to develop the kit in the form of a blood test which will be incorporated into existing pre-natal blood-tests giving straightforward positive or negative result, similar to a pregnancy test. Results of our research also suggest that there is also potential to develop a urine-based kit.

We have detected and patented a selection of crucial biomarkers in both serum and urine which form the foundation of the diagnostic test. During the development phase of the company it has become apparent that through serendipity other key intellectual property (IP) has been generated. It is becoming clear that IP generated via the scientific strategy will not only have diagnostic properties, it will provide a very holistic and overall view of the disease. The company will uncover key genetic differences, therapeutic targets, and novel clinical protocols will be developed as a result of our approach. These findings will dissect the pathology of the disease to revolutionise its understanding and treatment.

Any other IP generated from Incentec’s scientific approach could be licensed out and any revenues generated from out-licensed IP is intended to be invested back into the business to further aid the development of the diagnostic test.

Benefits of our test

Once developed, the kit will offer two primary, clinical benefits to both the users and patients:

Firstly, if the test is positive, the identification of patients at risk of pre-eclampsia means that they can be placed under higher surveillance. Affected patients can then be administered antenatal corticosteroids to improve foetal lung maturity. This means that the foetus will have a greater chance of survival when the iatrogenic preterm delivery occurs: decreasing the risk of fatality to the foetus.

Secondly, the benefit to those patients for whom the test is negative is also of great importance:

The vast majority of antenatal care in the latter half of pregnancy is geared towards the detection of pre-eclampsia. Visits occur at 24, 28, 30, 32, 34, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40 and 41 weeks specifically aiming to pick up signs of the disease. This involves significant resource allocation in terms of clinics, clinicians and midwives.  Additionally, there is unnecessary blood and urine testing as well as ultrasonography, admission and even (on occasion) unnecessary delivery. These are all time consuming, expensive and cause anxiety.  The provision of a test that could accurately refute the diagnosis of impending pre-eclampsia would allow for a significant reduction in clinic time and save significant costs in terms of resource allocation.

Potential customers for Incentec’s technology are the healthcare providers (hospitals) and the patients. Clear benefits are listed below:

§    The test will be cheaper, easier, quicker and more precise than existing diagnostic techniques. The healthcare provider will be able to provide better service at a cheaper cost.

§       The healthcare provider will also save substantial amounts, as early and clear diagnosis of the disease will result in only patients testing positive for the disease being admitted to hospital, therefore saving hospital resources.

§       There will be no delay in diagnosis, resulting in a decreased risk to mother and baby. This will mean fewer complications resulting in decreased cost to the healthcare provider.

§       The physical and psychological effects on the mother will be greatly reduced. Signs of post-traumatic stress disorder with various negative psychological and family problems are common consequences of the disease.

§       Medical malpractice and resulting litigation regarding missed pre-eclampsia will be much reduced, benefiting all parties.