A ground-breaking test to diagnose liver fibrosis has received a boost after lead researcher, Professor Chamindie Punyadeera, was selected on to the prestigious LuminaX HealthTech Accelerator Program.
The Griffith University research uses salivary biomarkers to diagnose the condition which is characterised by excessive accumulation of scar tissue which replaces normal liver tissue and disrupts the organ’s structure and function.
The condition can lead to more severe liver damage culminating in cirrhosis which can cause significant complications such as liver failure, portal hypertension, and an increased risk of liver cancer.
Liver fibrosis is like a tsunami, with its incidence rate significantly higher in individuals over the age of 50 years.
Professor Punyadeera, from Griffith’s Institute for Biomedicine and Glycomics, said the selection marks a major milestone for her team and its flagship saliva-based liver fibrosis test.
“My team is pioneering non-invasive saliva-based diagnostics and to be selected for a highly competitive LuminaX HealthTeach Accelerator is a testament to our hard work in digital health innovation in Australia,” Professor Punyadeera said.
“Inclusion in the LuminaX program affirms the clinical relevance and transformative potential of the technology, offering significant momentum toward market readiness.”
The test is a novel, non-invasive diagnostic tool aimed at improving early detection and management of liver disease.
The current diagnosis method is a liver biopsy which is both invasive and painful, and cannot be repeated frequently.
“Being chosen for LuminaX is a powerful endorsement of our breakthrough science and bold vision,” she said.
“It not only connects us to a network of top-tier mentors, clinicians, and investors but also fast-tracks our ability to bring this life-saving test to those who need it most.
“With global rates of liver disease rising, the need for accurate, accessible diagnostic tools has never been greater.”
The LuminaX HealthTech Accelerator is delivered by Cohort Innovation Space, located in the Gold Coast Health and Knowledge Precinct (GCHKP), Australia’s emerging hub for health, research and technology innovation.
Griffith Enterprise, the technology transfer arm of Griffith University, is inviting expressions of interest from industry partners to help bring this breakthrough diagnostic technology to market, offering a fast, efficient, and affordable solution for detecting a serious disease.
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Chamindie Punyadeera
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