Scientists from the University Medical Center Groningen (UMCG) and IQ Products are working towards early detection of preeclampsia, a life-threatening complication affecting 2-8% of pregnant women worldwide. Preeclampsia can lead to severe health risks for both mother and baby, with premature delivery currently the only effective treatment. Despite its severity, the condition’s exact cause remains unknown, and predicting who will be affected is challenging.
This project, for which the UMCG and IQ Products received funding from the PPP program from Health Holland’s Top Sector Life Sciences & Health, aims to address these challenges by validating ESM-1 and GBP-1 as biomarkers for early detection or diagnosis of preeclampsia. Prior research identified these proteins as potential biomarkers of the disease. ESM-1 levels increase, while GBP-1 levels decrease in preeclampsia, making them promising candidates as diagnostic tools. The team will analyze blood samples from pregnant women, both with and without preeclampsia, to confirm their diagnostic and predictive value.
In addition to validation, the project will explore the biological roles of ESM-1 and GBP-1 in the development of preeclampsia. By understanding how these proteins function in the body, scientists hope to get insight into the disease’s underlying mechanisms. IQ Products has already developed a test for ESM-1 and plans to create a GBP-1 test, paving the way for practical, reliable diagnostic tools.
The ultimate goal is to enable early detection of preeclampsia, allowing timely interventions to protect maternal and fetal health. Beyond improving outcomes for families, these tools could also reduce the strain on healthcare systems by minimizing the complications associated with preeclampsia. This research represents a critical step toward a future where this dangerous condition can be identified and managed effectively, saving lives and improving care worldwide.
IQ Products holds two patents related to this project; EP2965088A1 and EP3472615A1
This collaboration project is co-financed by the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Policy by means of the PPP-subsidy made available by the Top Sector Life Sciences & Health to stimulate public-private partnerships.