Zilico to pilot pioneering cervical cancer diagnostic system across India as part of TechEmerge's programme

Zilico Ltd – a developer of a pioneering cervical cancer diagnostic system - has been selected by the IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, to be part of a unique program across India.

ZedScan

TechEmerge is the first programme of its kind that brings together proven technology companies such as Zilico, with leading healthcare providers in emerging markets.

Chosen from 330 innovators across 29 countries, the inaugural program will see the company working with International Oncology Services, with the aim of increasing the early detection of cervical cancer across India and quickly enabling treatment.

ZedScan™ uses the science of Electrical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) to detect the development of pre-cancerous abnormalities of the cervix.

The portable, handheld device is already being used in hospitals across the UK and other countries, provides a more accurate diagnosis in real-time, which assists clinicians with better patient management.

In a recent review of over 1500 women referred to an UK colposcopy clinic, the adoption of ZedScan resulted in a significant increase in disease detection and improvements in clinical performance.

The patient case study revealed a 13% increase in detection of high-grade disease (HGCIN) across all patients, with 50% increase reported in women with low-grade cytology. In 92% of these cases, disease was confirmed with a single biopsy.

Cervical cancer, which is caused by Human Papillomavirus infection, is the leading cancer in Indian women. It is the second most common cancer in women worldwide.

It is estimated there are approximately 132,000 new cases diagnosed and 74,000 deaths annually in India, which accounts for nearly a third of the global cervical cancer deaths.

Although colposcopy is an important method in detecting cervical cancer, in practice, the procedure has not drastically changed over the last 90 years, and diagnosis depends on the subjective assessment of visual indicators by the clinician.

Using ZedScan as an adjunct to the existing colposcopy procedure will help clinicians better manage patients and help avoid unnecessary biopsies, treatments and repeat follow-up appointments.

Colposcopy referrals are also expected to increase dramatically following the introduction of HPV screening and ZedScan can provide a cost-effective means to accommodate this growth.

We are delighted that Zilico has been chosen as one of TechEmerge’s successful matches and look forward to working with International Oncology Services to implement ZedScan and help improve healthcare delivery in India"

Sameer Kothari, Chief Executive of Zilico Ltd