Predica Diagnostics B.V. a startup from the Radboudumc, is active in the field of diagnostics, prognostics and prediction of treatment response in Women’s Health. Our platform technology is based on targeted RNA sequencing, making use of proprietary probes, next generation sequencing and unique algorithms. Predica Diagnostics first product, the CervicaDX test, allows non-invasive detection of cervical abnormalities in women who are at risk of developing cervical cancer. CervicaDx, will prevent overdiagnosis of women participating in population based cervical cancer screening programs, taking away unnecessary worries of HPV+ tested but healthy women, and reliably identify the women who need referral to a gynecologist, thereby streamlining the screening process and reducing redundance. After successful implementation of the CervicaDx test, Predica Diagnostics intends to expand its portfolio with diagnostic tests for other Women’s Health indications.

CHOICE began with an idea from Peter van de Graaf back in 2008. While traveling the world he saw the impact of population growth on our planet. After diving into the causes of this problem, the bigger picture revealed even more problems around contraception, unintended pregnancies and unwantedness: 40% of all pregnancies is unintended, hormonal contraception is losing popularity and women claim to not have options for contraception that suit their needs and wishes. The simple idea of a mechanic valve where nature will never give us one was born. Now in 2023 the technological concept of the medical device is completed and pre-clinical tests are in progress with positive first results. Currently Choice is looking for funding to continue to the clinical phase and complete the regulatory requirements for market entrance in 2027.

More than half of women above age 40 have to deal with pelvic organ prolapse. There are only two treatment solutions, surgery with a high recurrence rate and pessary treatment with a high discontinuation rate due to side effects. We are in the proces of developing a new medical device which is adjustable to the individual anatomy which is called the flexsupp. Because this device takes the individual anatomy into account there are less side effects, and quality of life and autonomy of these individuals increases.

In this pitch, I will show the lack of participation of women in clinical studies and how this has affected research outcomes in the cardiovascular field. Personalized medicine starts with studying sex as a biological variable early in research to make sure that research outcomes are generalizable to both women and men. The knowledge gaps in women provide a major opportunity for research in the next decades to improve diagnosis and therapy.