Diamens Funding Boosts Endometriosis Blood Test Development

Vienna, Austria – A significant advancement in women's health diagnostics is on the horizon as Austrian HealthTech innovator Diamens has successfully closed a new funding round. This capital infusion is earmarked to propel the company through the crucial stages of clinical validation and European regulatory certification for its groundbreaking diagnostic test for endometriosis. The test uniquely leverages menstrual blood, a resource previously untapped for such diagnostic purposes.

The financing round saw participation from prominent investors, including lead investor eQventure, alongside VP Venture Partners (Zurich), FS Life Science Investment (Düsseldorf), and VGW Beteiligungs GmbH (Linz). This collective backing underscores the significant market potential and urgent medical need addressed by Diamens' technology.

Endometriosis, a debilitating condition affecting an estimated one in ten women globally, is characterized by the growth of uterine-like tissue outside the uterus. This can lead to severe chronic pain, inflammation, organ damage, and infertility. A persistent challenge in managing the disease is the protracted diagnostic journey, which averages seven years and often involves multiple misdiagnoses. Current diagnostic standards, primarily laparoscopy, are invasive and require general anesthesia, presenting a barrier for many patients. Early and accurate diagnosis is paramount for effective symptom management and preserving organ function.

Diamens is revolutionizing this diagnostic paradigm by analyzing molecular markers present in menstrual blood. "Menstrual blood offers a rich molecular profile of the uterus, a diagnostic avenue that has been largely overlooked until now," stated Clara Ganhör, COO and Co-Founder of Diamens. The company's proprietary bioinformatics platform has identified reliable molecular indicators for endometriosis, which are then detected using a laboratory-based PCR analysis, a method widely recognized for its accuracy and reliability, notably demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This non-invasive approach promises to deliver diagnostic clarity without the need for surgical procedures or lengthy waiting periods, thereby accelerating access to appropriate treatment. Bernhard Ungerböck, Partner at eQventure, commented on the investment, "Diamens is addressing a critical unmet need with a scientifically robust and highly scalable solution. We believe this test has the potential to set a new benchmark in gynecological diagnostics."

The newly acquired funds, supplemented by public grants from initiatives like the Austrian FFG Basisprogramm, will be instrumental in completing the ongoing multicenter study and securing CE marking for the European market. Marlene Rezk-Füreder, CEO and Co-Founder, expressed confidence in the company's progress, noting positive feedback on sample collection and shipping from study participants. "The time is ripe to make women's health radically accessible and data-driven," she added.

The Diamens leadership team comprises seasoned experts: Marlene Rezk-Füreder (CEO), Eva Scharnagl (CTO), Clara Ganhör (COO), and Angelika Lackner (CSO), bringing together extensive experience in biomedical research, informatics, regulatory affairs, and business development. They are supported by Univ.-Prof. Dr. Peter Oppelt, a leading European endometriosis specialist, who serves as the Chief Medical Officer.