Stirling-based nanomaterial manufacturer iGii has agreed a multi-million pound deal with English health monitoring company Prymexa to develop a toolkit that detects signs of perimenopause.

Perimenopause is the transition phase period before menopause, and can start as early as the mid-30s.

With 60% of women under 40 not feeling informed about perimenopause or menopause, many experience a range of symptoms and increased risks of depression, osteoporosis, and cardiovascular disease without guidance on managing these.

A lack of awareness and monitoring can also lead to misdiagnosis and missed opportunities for early intervention.

Early identification of perimenopause however allows for more personalised advice, treatment, and support from medical experts.

The toolkit will look at various monitoring options, including wearable devices and sensors to enable simple and affordable at-home monitoring that can be closely tracked by a medical professional.

At the core of the technology is iGii’s nanomaterial, Gii; a low-cost, eco-friendly, and highly-sensitive alternative to traditional carbon- and metal-based sensors, making it particularly effective for accurate assessment of menopause symptoms.

“Gii has the potential to significantly improve point-of-care human diagnostics and make accurate, quick medical results the norm,” explained Jean-Christophe Granier, CEO of iGii.

“Its properties provide a more affordable, sustainable, scalable and sensitive sensing platform for high-quality results in labs and at home.

“This project with Prymexa highlights the real value and potential of Gii and we look forward to working with them to positively impact the lives of those going through the perimenopause period.”

Sara Pardoe, chief executive officer of Prymexa, also commented: “Menopause receives a fraction of the investment compared to other medical fields, yet half the population will experience it and demand for effective management solutions is growing exponentially.

“Our research aims to bring individuals closer to a simple, clear understanding of their menopause journey and how to best manage it.”

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David Atkinson, founder of Prymexa, shared his excitement about the collaboration: “We are thrilled about this partnership, which promises to transform lives through our extensive research and development efforts.

“By joining forces with iGii, we can enhance the precision and sensitivity of our toolkit, accelerating our product development and ultimately making a significant difference in people’s lives.”