Proteomics International Secures $500K Grant to Launch PromarkerEndo Blood Test in 2025

A Breakthrough in Women’s Health Diagnostics

Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd (ASX – PIQ) has taken a significant step forward in addressing a long-standing challenge in women’s health. The company announced it has been awarded a $500,000 grant from the Western Australian Government’s Future Health Research and Innovation Fund. This funding is earmarked to accelerate the commercialisation of PromarkerEndo, a pioneering blood test designed to diagnose endometriosis early and non-invasively.

Endometriosis affects approximately one in nine women and girls worldwide, often causing debilitating symptoms such as pelvic pain, painful periods, and infertility. Currently, diagnosis relies heavily on surgical laparoscopy, a costly and invasive procedure that contributes to an average diagnostic delay of seven years. This delay not only impacts patient quality of life but also imposes a substantial economic burden, estimated at nearly $10 billion annually in Australia alone.

PromarkerEndo – A Game-Changer in Diagnosis

Developed using Proteomics International’s proprietary Promarker® technology platform, PromarkerEndo offers a blood-based alternative that detects protein biomarkers associated with endometriosis. Recent clinical data presented at the World Congress on Endometriosis demonstrated the test’s robust performance, with 83% sensitivity and 95% specificity across all disease stages. The test provides a simple 'traffic light' risk score, low, moderate, or high, indicating the likelihood of endometriosis, which could dramatically streamline and expedite diagnosis.

Dr Richard Lipscombe, Managing Director of Proteomics International, highlighted the significance of the grant – "This support from the WA Government underscores the critical need for innovation in women’s health and strengthens our efforts to bring this much-needed diagnostic tool to market globally."

Commercialisation and Market Strategy

The $0.5 million grant will fund essential commercialisation activities, including regulatory engagement, marketing initiatives, and partnership development. Proteomics International aims to launch PromarkerEndo in Australia in the second half of 2025, leveraging its established go-to-market strategies from other Promarker tests such as PromarkerD and PromarkerEso. The company is also adapting the test’s analytical methodology for clinical environments under ISO15189 standards, ensuring readiness for widespread clinical adoption.

Beyond Australia, the company is actively pursuing partnerships in key international markets, particularly in women’s health and fertility sectors. Building awareness among clinicians, key opinion leaders, and advocacy groups remains a priority to meet the growing demand for better diagnostic solutions.

Implications for Patients and the Healthcare System

If successful, PromarkerEndo could revolutionize the diagnostic pathway for endometriosis, reducing reliance on invasive surgery and shortening the diagnostic timeline significantly. This would not only improve patient outcomes but also alleviate the economic strain on healthcare systems by lowering costs associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment.

As the company moves toward commercial launch, the healthcare community and investors alike will be watching closely to see how quickly PromarkerEndo gains traction and whether it can fulfill its promise as a transformative diagnostic tool.