ASX-listed medical technology company, Proteomics International Laboratories, has entered into an agreement with Medical Horizons that will see the Italy-based group distribute the easy-to-use immunoassay version of Proteomics’ PromarkerD predictive test for diabetic kidney disease in Italy.
PromarkerD is a predictive test for the early detection of chronic kidney disease, or “CKD” in patients who have type 2 diabetes. CKD is one of the major complications arising from diabetes and if unchecked can lead to dialysis or kidney transplant.
Proteomics’ two-year distribution licensing agreement with Medical Horizons will result in the blood test being made available to patients in Italy, where one in 12 adults has diabetes.
Medical Horizons is now required to register PromarkerD with the Italian Ministry of Health and once the registration has been ratified, expected in about one month, the test can start being sold in Italy.
Proteomics International managing director, Dr Richard Lipscombe said: “Previously we focused on the more sophisticated mass spectrometry test, but the release of this easy-to-use, higher throughput immunoassay platform opens up many more market opportunities.”
“We also expect that bringing PromarkerD to Italy will drive demand for the test in other jurisdictions, and we’re continuing discussions with diagnostic and pharmaceutical companies in multiple countries.”
Immunoassays are cost-effective and accurate tests that are standard to clinical diagnostics laboratories around the world. The testing format allows hundreds of blood samples to be analysed quickly as part of a panel of routine blood tests.
Currently, one in three people with diabetes develops CKD and PromarkerD is the only test available in the European Union for predicting the onset of the condition.
Medical Horizons says it was created to identify medical innovation worldwide that had the potential to become new products and then develop their commercialisation through a selected Italian sales network.
Medical Horizons Chief Executive Officer, Guido Osto said: “With this technology used as an annual test, doctors will be able to identify at-risk patients for early intervention. It will help minimise the effects of diabetic kidney disease, and potentially save the healthcare system billions of euros.”
Proteomics says Medical Horizons is looking to facilitate the increasing awareness and early adoption of the test by major hospitals.
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By Matt Birney
