2024-11-26 10:00:00
Molecular biology powered by artificial intelligence (AI) to diagnose endometriosis. This is Ziwig’s promise. The start-up founded in Lyon (Rhône) has designed a diagnostic tool for endometriosis based on the analysis of salivary micro-RNAs.
This Endotest took an additional step, during October, with a view to its support in France. 80 hospitals, the list of which will soon be published, will be able to offer this test free of charge. “The High Health Authority (HAS) will measure the savings, nparticularly on reducing the number of diagnostic surgeries, compared to other methods”explains its founder Yahya El Mir. Before possibly authorizing widespread deployment and reimbursement of the Endotest.
High-throughput sequencing technology
Ziwig is interested in microRNAs, very small molecules that are involved in gene expression. Micro-RNAs are notably present in saliva, an extremely stable human flow that does not require specific preservation conditions during its transport. Next-generation sequencing makes it possible to collect and transform biological information from micro-RNAs present in saliva drops into a digital file. For this, different machines are used up to that for high-throughput sequencing.
MicroRNAs are first extracted from saliva. Then, these small molecules are prepared, that is to say mixed with specific reagents which stick to these molecules to allow them to be measured and counted. “Finally, micro-RNAs are measured using a next-generation sequencing technique: light is projected onto the prepared molecules, then reflected to enable their counting, explains Yahya El Mir. This process is repeated millions of times.” The data thus collected is compiled into a digital file analyzed by AI algorithms developed by the Ziwig teams. “The final results are sent to the doctor who is responsible for notifying them to the patient”add Yahya El Mir.
An easier process for diagnosis
Endometriosis is an inflammatory gynecological disease that affects 10% of menstruating people worldwide. However, its diagnosis sometimes takes several years. This involves imaging (ultrasound and MRI) or surgery. “But imaging does not necessarily make it possible to detect early forms of the disease which can begin very early, sometimes as early as the age of 10”underlines Yahya El Mir. The only alternative is therefore surgery. But this operation is cumbersome and can accelerate the disease in cases of peritoneal endometriosis. Hence the development of the Endotest, of which “the performances are, by far, superior to other existing diagnostic tools”according to Yahya El Mir. Above all, the process is simple.
All you have to do is spit into a tube and then send it to the Ziwig laboratory since all saliva collection kits are processed by the start-up itself. In just one year, it built a fully automated laboratory specializing in the processing of salivary RNA in Aix-les-Bains (Savoie). A necessity for the nugget. “No existing laboratory was capable of processing these tests according to our protocol!”exclaims Yahya El Mir. The laboratory can process 4,500 tests per week. “If the rate needs to be increased, it is possible to double it within three weeks”adds the founder.
Research on ovarian cancer
This same micro-RNA sequencing technology can be used on other pathologies. What changes: these are the algorithms for processing the collected digital files. Ziwig works on early detection of ovarian cancer to improve patients’ chances of survival. Another part of his research concerns neurodegenerative diseases. “Improving diagnosis contributes to better understanding the underlying mechanisms of these pathologies. Exploring the cellular level makes it possible to identify the processes that lead to deregulations responsible for the development of the disease.»explains the founder of the start-up which has around a hundred employees, the majority of whom focus on R&D.
In this biotech sector it is necessary to invest considerable sums over 7 to 12 years before having a product on the market. “On average, you have to invest 150 million euros before generating any income”adds Yahya El Mir. This is why Ziwig regularly raises funds. But the start-up does not reveal any amount. Its founder simply emphasizes: “The real challenge is to be able to raise funds and ensure constant funding to carry out clinical studies, knowing that more than 75% of our expenses are for R&D.” Research that could accelerate different diagnoses.
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