The objective of INNOHEM is to commercialize the first Complete Blood cell Count (CBC) haematology analyser including 5-part differential and reticulocytes for the decentralized, low-volume testing haematology market. Today, CBC testing is one of the most commonly ordered blood tests in the world, used to evaluate overall health of the patient and detect a wide range of disorders. The tests are performed using two types of haematology analysers: 3-part or 5-part analysers. The latter are growing in importance worldwide as they are able to provide much more detailed information about the underlying medical condition of the patient, e.g. by detecting reticulocytes (immature red blood cells). However, 5-part haematology analysers are currently designed entirely for the high-volume testing market with complex, centralized laboratories equipped with large sample automation devices. The technological design of those analysers make them inapplicable in smaller settings, where physicians need testing to be done closer to the patient to enable faster and accurate diagnosis.
Recognising a strong business opportunity, Boule will create a revolutionary point-of-care haematology analyser that will provide reliable and accurate 5-part haematology results from a finger-stick blood sample. The new analyser will be based on Boule’s patented in-line device for finger-stick blood samples. The new system will disrupt the existing marketplace by redefining the segment for the commercial application of 5-part analysers (from high-volume centralized testing to low-volume decentralized and near-patient testing). This will lead to improved diagnostic decisions and more personalized and cost-efficient approaches to healthcare. The commercial output will be new growth possibilities and long-term competitive advantages for Boule.
Objectives of the Phase 1 project:
a) to perform market investigations
b) to develop a business plan for the commercialisation of the new 5-part haematology analyser for the low-volume testing market
