Diagnostic assay
Preelumina has developed a highly sensitive diagnostic assay which is able to predict preeclampsia as early as in the 14th gestational week. Using an optimized ELISA kit we can measure fetal hemoglobin down to the nano-molar range. Preelumina’s test method is based on a simple blood sample taken early in the pregnancy at the first visit to the maternity clinic. By screening, unnecessary suffering by both mother and child and major healthcare costs to society can be avoided through:
- Early detection of pregnant women at increased risk for preeclampsia
- Avoiding unnecessary hospitalization of pregnant women with suspected or mild preeclampsia
- Monitoring of the progression of the disease, allowing for symptomatic treatments
- Minimizing the number of premature births
Treatment
The maternal syndrome of preeclampsia is believed to partly be caused by the free radicals and oxidation induced directly or indirectly by the free hemoglobin. Preelumina researchers have identified an antioxidant and free radical scavenger that has a normal function in the body to protect against the toxic effects of free hemoglobin in tissues, to continuously “vacuum-clean” tissues from free radicals and oxidants and deliver the products to the kidneys for degradation and excretion. Since this protein is endogenous in the human body, it is non-toxic and has an existing route for rapid delivery to the target and rapid elimination after fulfilling its “vacuum-cleaning” tasks. The treatment thus targets the primary causes of the disease and not merely its symptoms. As such, it is the first therapy to treat the disease.