Challenge
Allergy is among the most common chronic diseases worldwide. Up to 20% of patients with allergies live with a severe debilitating form of their condition, and struggle daily with the fear of a possible asthma attack, anaphylactic shock, or even death from an allergic reaction (EAACI, 2016). Current tests to diagnose allergy such as the skin prick test and the IgE blood tests, indicate sensitisation to allergens, but not necessarily an allergic response. These tests are in the majority of cases not indicative of an actual allergy.
Opportunity
Market reports show the Allergy Diagnostics Market is anticipated to reach over $8.6 billion by 2026. In general, a molecule-based diagnostic test gives information on sensitization but not allergic reactions. There is a great need for new diagnostic solutions to replace inaccurate methods.
Solution
Researchers from the University of Bremen, supported by colleagues at the Medical University of Vienna, have developed a method and system that can directly diagnose allergies by visualising part of the allergic response (degranulation) from a blood sample. The system consists of a disposable microfluidic chip and a holography reader. With the ability to be used by more than 150 allergens this test will
enable patients to be better informed about their allergy status and enable doctors to provide the best suited treatment in a timely fashion.
Status
Company update:
Allergios is currently in the process of perfecting its solution, as well as validating in real clinical settings. A new proprietary camera system has been developed which will be tested with patients’ blood samples material.
At the same time, Allergios has successfully closed its latest round of seed financing in April 2022. Oversubscribed, this latest financial injection is proof of the ongoing support for our innovation and will enable us to take our development to the clinical trial stage, currently planned for the first half of 2023.
If you want to contribute to the success of Allergios in any way, send a message to info@allergios.health and we will get back to you. You can also submit your details if you want us to keep you updated on our developments.
Meet the team
Dr. Sander van den Driesche
Inventor
Dr. Christine Hafner
Inventor
Dr. Claas Falldorf
Inventor
Prof. Heimo Breteneder
Inventor
Prof. Michael Vellekoop
Inventor
Ernst Elhorst
CEO
Folkert Roossien
Chief Development Officer
Roland Zegger
Venture Partner
Roland joined NLC in March 2015. He is a trained pharmacist, has worked in several pharmaceutical companies, and has broad experience in marketing and sales functions as well as general management. As Venture Partner, Roland focuses on building innovative companies and strengthening NLC’s abilities to bring innovations to healthcare.