BlinkLab (ASX:BB1) accelerates path to early autism diagnosis with European trial

In a significant development for the healthcare sector, Australian digital healthcare company BlinkLab (ASX:BB1) has announced a strategic partnership with European psychiatric organisation INTER-PSY.

This collaboration is aimed at advancing early autism diagnosis, leveraging AI and machine learning to deliver a cutting-edge diagnostic tool via smartphones.

The partnership underscores BlinkLab’s commitment to addressing a pressing global healthcare issue: long wait times for autism diagnosis.

The collaboration with INTER-PSY will see a prospective clinical trial conducted in the Netherlands, focusing on children aged 2-6 years who are referred for autism diagnosis.

BlinkLab’s app will capture behavioural and physiological responses, which will then be analysed using AI algorithms to identify autistic characteristics.

The aim is to provide a more rapid and objective assessment method that can help bridge the gap in current diagnostic practices.

Accelerating Regulatory Approval

As BlinkLab moves forward with this trial, its impact on regulatory approval cannot be overstated.

“This collaboration with INTER-PSY is one of the final steps in the prospective validation of BlinkLab’s platform before we commence our FDA registration trial later this year,” said Dr. Henk-Jan Boele, CEO of BlinkLab

This clinical trial will not only optimise the company’s experimental algorithms but also support BlinkLab’s journey towards US and European market adoption, which is a significant milestone for the company.

INTER-PSY’s Els Blijd-Hogewys echoed this sentiment, highlighting the potential to reshape the diagnostic landscape: “Integrating objective measurements can help in the diagnostic process, offering significant benefits to children, their families, and our providers”.

This could make a huge difference in reducing waiting times for autism assessments, which in many regions, including Australia, can extend for years.

Addressing Gender Disparities in Autism Diagnosis

Notably, this trial will also target the underdiagnosis of autism in females, an issue that has long plagued the medical field.

Historically, autism has been diagnosed far more frequently in males, leaving many women undiagnosed or misdiagnosed until adulthood.

As part of the larger SCANNER Consortium in Europe, BlinkLab’s technology will address this disparity by focusing on sex differences in autism diagnosis.

Dr. Aleksandra Badura, lead investigator of SCANNER, stressed the importance of involving women in the research process: “Our long-term goal is to improve the diagnostic process for autism and other neurodivergent disorders by taking sex differences into account at all levels of research and diagnosis”.

The Road Ahead

As BlinkLab embarks on this promising journey, the potential to change the future of autism diagnostics is significant.

By combining the power of AI, neuroscience, and mobile technology, BlinkLab offers a unique solution that could accelerate diagnosis and improve outcomes for children globally.

With preparations for an FDA 510(k) trial underway and strong support from European partners, BlinkLab is poised to become a leader in digital health solutions for neurodevelopmental disorders.

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