Rapid endometriosis tests now available in the U.K. What about Canada?
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- A biotechnology company is actively seeking local partners in Canada to make its non-invasive endometriosis spit test, Endotest, commercially available.
- The U.K. recently approved Endotest and another test, EndoSure, on July 7, significantly reducing diagnostic times for women.
- Health Canada has not yet approved these tests, but provincial health ministries in Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories have expressed interest if they receive approval.
A non-invasive endometriosis diagnostic test, Endotest, developed by the biotechnology company Ziwig, is not yet commercially available in Canada, but the company is actively pursuing local partnerships. Ziwig is "hopeful" that discussions will progress in the coming months to bring the salivary diagnostic test to Canadian patients.
our salivary diagnostic test is not yet commercially available in Canada
This development follows the U.K.'s recent approval of both Endotest and EndoSure on July 7. Health officials in the U.K. stated that these tests help to rapidly decrease the time it takes for women to receive a diagnosis for the condition. EndoSure has not yet responded to inquiries about its efforts to bring its test to Canada.
hopeful that these discussions will progress over the coming months
Endometriosis affects at least one in 10 women in Canada, with an estimated two million Canadians living with the condition. Symptoms can include chronic pelvic pain, painful periods, pain during or after intercourse, infertility, and gastrointestinal issues that may worsen during menstruation. The severity of symptoms does not always correlate with the extent of the disease.
will consider coverage of tests that are approved by Health Canada
While Health Canada has not approved or regulated these tests, several provincial health ministries have indicated interest. Saskatchewan and the Northwest Territories have stated they would consider coverage for tests approved by Health Canada. British Columbia's health ministry supports new technologies that are safe, cost-effective, and clinically beneficial. Ontario's ministry continuously monitors innovations, and Quebec's provincial health ministry noted the tests are not Health Canada-approved for use in endometriosis diagnoses.
interested in innovations that have the potential to improve the diagnosis and care of residents living with conditions such as endometriosis
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Originally published by Global News. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.
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