Endometriosis Affects Approximately 190 Million Women Worldwide
Non-invasive MET™ Diagnostic Test for Endometriosis Leverages Novel Biomarker: A Specific Deletion in Mitochondrial DNA
Pearsanta’s MET is Seeking to Become the First and Only Validated and Commercialized Blood-based Biomarker Test for Endometriosis
Aditxt, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADTX) (“Aditxt” or the “Company”), an innovation platform dedicated to accelerating promising health innovations, today announced that its majority-owned subsidiary, Pearsanta, Inc. (“Pearsanta”), has entered into a Market Development Collaboration Agreement (the “Agreement”) with women’s health pioneer Evofem Biosciences, Inc. (“Evofem”) (OTCQB: EVFM) focused on Pearsanta’s blood-based diagnostic test for endometriosis.
Endometriosis is a chronic disease associated with severe, life-impacting pain. It affects approximately one in ten women of reproductive age around the world – approximately 190 million women and girls - according to the World Health Organization.1
Pearsanta’s Mitomic® Endometriosis Test (“MET™”) looks for a specific deletion in mitochondrial DNA (“mtDNA”), which is a novel, proprietary biomarker for endometriosis. There are currently no validated blood-based tests for endometriosis available in the United States or anywhere around the world.
Under the Agreement, Evofem and Pearsanta will collaboratively develop a comprehensive go-to-market strategy and MET commercial plan ahead of the planned U.S. launch in mid-2025. To date, over 300 endometriosis cases have been evaluated using the MET; 600 are planned to support its clinical validation.
This collaboration supports Evofem’s strategy to expand its commercial offering of innovative products that address key challenges in women’s health. The company currently commercializes a single-dose oral treatment for bacterial vaginosis and trichomoniasis and a hormone-free contraceptive vaginal gel. Its long-term goal is to deliver comprehensive healthcare solutions spanning prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sexual and reproductive health concerns facing women at every stage of life.
“We believe that Evofem's proven expertise and strategic focus on women’s health make them the ideal partner for the U.S. launch of our Mitomic Endometriosis Test. Their deep industry knowledge and established relationships will be invaluable as we introduce this innovative diagnostic to the market and pave the way for future applications of our mitochondrial DNA platform,” said Christopher Mitton, President of Pearsanta.
Endometriosis has a profound impact on women's health, with significant implications beyond painful symptoms. Studies indicate that approximately 70% of women with endometriosis experience chronic pelvic pain, which can be debilitating and affect daily functioning. Moreover, nearly 50% of women with endometriosis also face challenges with infertility, as the condition is a leading cause of female infertility. Additionally, endometriosis is associated with a higher risk of comorbid conditions such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and interstitial cystitis, complicating overall health management. The condition can lead to substantial psychological stress, with many women reporting anxiety, depression, and a reduced quality of life due to persistent pain and infertility issues.
Early diagnosis of endometriosis is important to allow medical or surgical intervention to alleviate its symptoms and potentially slow or halt the natural progression of the disease. At present, there are no validated blood-based diagnostic tests for endometriosis1. Pearsanta aims to address this unmet need with its MET.
Amro Albanna, Co-Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Aditxt, said, “This partnership showcases the Aditxt platform in action, accelerating growth and transforming high-impact innovations into reality. By seeking to advance Pearsanta toward the commercialization of its Mitomic Endometriosis Test in 2025, while simultaneously supporting Evofem’s goals to expand its portfolio and diversify revenue streams through its existing infrastructure, we demonstrate how our platform seeks to drive progress for both current and incoming subsidiaries. We at Aditxt are proud to empower innovation and strive to help companies deliver transformative healthcare solutions to the market.”
“Knowledge is power and using Pearsanta’s Mitomic Endometriosis Test physicians will be able to diagnose and improve the lives of women who suffer from this debilitating chronic disease,” said Saundra Pelletier, CEO of Evofem Biosciences. “We look forward to leveraging our strong relationships with OB/GYNs and allied healthcare providers to plan and execute the successful U.S. launch of this first-in-class non-invasive diagnostic.”
Beyond the MET, this collaboration has the potential to further expand Evofem’s women’s health business with future tests developed by Pearsanta, such as the Mitomic Ovarian Test for early detection of ovarian cancer.
About the Mitomic Technology Platform
Pearsanta’s proprietary Mitomic® Technology Platform harnesses the unique properties of mitochondrial DNA (“mtDNA”) to detect disease through non-invasive, blood-based liquid biopsies. This platform is designed to identify specific mutations in mtDNA indicative of various diseases. Due to its high mutation rate and continued persistence in cells, mtDNA has the potential to be an excellent biomarker for early disease detection. The program currently focuses on developing tests for early cancer detection (ovarian, prostate, and lung cancers), as well as non-cancerous conditions like endometriosis.
About Pearsanta, Inc.
Pearsanta is at the forefront of precision health, focusing on early cancer detection through advanced diagnostic technologies. Its proprietary Mitomic Technology Platform leverages the unique properties of mitochondrial DNA to detect cancer and other diseases with high accuracy via non-invasive, blood-based liquid biopsy tests. Pearsanta's asset portfolio also includes a range of other innovative diagnostic technologies, all aimed at transforming early disease detection and monitoring, enabling more informed treatment decisions, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Mitomic® is a registered trademark and MET™ is a trademark of Pearsanta, Inc.
About Evofem Biosciences, Inc.
Evofem is commercializing innovative products to address unmet needs in women's sexual and reproductive health. The Company's first FDA-approved product, Phexxi® (lactic acid, citric acid and potassium bitartrate), is a hormone-free, on-demand prescription contraceptive vaginal gel. It comes in a box of 12 pre-filled applicators and is applied 0-60 minutes before each act of sex.
In July 2024 Evofem broadened its commercial offering with the acquisition of SOLOSEC® (secnidazole) 2g oral granules, an FDA-approved oral antibiotic for the treatment of two sexual health diseases: bacterial vaginosis (BV), a common vaginal infection, in females 12 years of age and older, and trichomoniasis, a common sexually transmitted infection (STI), in people 12 years of age and older. SOLOSEC provides a complete course of therapy in just one dose.
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Phexxi® and SOLOSEC® are registered trademarks of Evofem Biosciences, Inc.
About Aditxt, Inc.
Aditxt, Inc.® is an innovation platform dedicated to accelerating promising health innovations. Aditxt’s ecosystem of research institutions, industry partners, and shareholders collaboratively drives their mission to "Make Promising Innovations Possible Together." The innovation platform is the cornerstone of Aditxt’s strategy, where multiple disciplines drive disruptive growth and address significant societal challenges. Aditxt operates a unique model that democratizes innovation, ensures every stakeholder’s voice is heard and valued, and empowers collective progress.
Aditxt currently operates two programs focused on immune health and precision health. The Company plans to introduce two additional programs dedicated to public health and women’s health. For these, Aditxt has entered into an Arrangement Agreement with Appili Therapeutics, Inc. (“Appili”) (TSX: APLI; OTCPink: APLIF), which focuses on infectious diseases, and a Merger Agreement with Evofem. Each program will be designed to function autonomously while collectively advancing Aditxt’s mission of discovering, developing, and deploying innovative health solutions to tackle some of the most urgent health challenges. The closing of each of the transactions with Appili and Evofem is subject to several conditions, including but not limited to approval of the transactions by the respective target shareholders and Aditxt raising sufficient capital to fund its obligations at closing. No assurance can be provided that all of the conditions to closing will be obtained or satisfied or that either of the transactions will ultimately close.
For more information, www.aditxt.com.
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Sources
1World Health Organization fact sheet: Endometriosis. 24 March 2023. https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/endometriosis.
Forward-Looking Statements
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Contacts
Aditxt, Inc.
Mary O’Brien
Mobrien@aditxt.com
516-753-9933
