Proteomics International Secures Patent for OxiDx Diagnostic Test, Targeting Sports and Equine Markets

Key Highlights:

• Second-generation patent granted in Australia for oxidative stress diagnostic platform OxiDx
• Global patent protection now extends to 2039 across Australia, Europe, Japan, and the USA
• Commercial launch of OxiDx expected mid-2025, beginning in Australia

OxiDx Patent Expansion Strengthens Commercial Pathway for Proteomics International

Proteomics International Laboratories Ltd (ASX: PIQ) has bolstered its intellectual property portfolio with the granting of a second-generation Australian patent for its flagship diagnostic tool, OxiDx. The announcement, made on March 28, marks a major milestone in the company’s commercialisation journey as it prepares to bring the oxidative stress diagnostic test to market in mid-2025.

OxiDx, developed in collaboration with the University of Western Australia, offers a rapid and non-invasive method to measure oxidative stress through a simple fingerprick blood sample. Oxidative stress—a condition linked to more than 70 health disorders including muscle injuries, neurodegenerative diseases, and cardiovascular issues—represents a growing area of interest in precision diagnostics.

The new Australian patent (No. 2019240758) extends Proteomics International’s intellectual property coverage to 2039, building on previous second-generation patents granted in Europe and Japan. Filings are pending in additional jurisdictions such as the US, China, India, and Singapore, aligning with the company’s strategic roadmap for global expansion.

Proteomics International Managing Director Dr. Richard Lipscombe highlighted the commercial potential, stating, “This new patent provides long-term protection and significantly enhances the value of our OxiDx platform. We are seeing strong interest from industries spanning elite sports to equine performance.”

Early Market Focus: Sports Injury Monitoring and Thoroughbred Racing

Initial market entry for OxiDx is planned through the company’s majority-owned subsidiary, OxiDx Pty Ltd. The Australian launch will target elite athletic programs and the thoroughbred horse racing industry—both sectors where muscle damage from oxidative stress is prevalent and costly.

In Australia alone, muscle-related injuries represent up to 55% of all sports injuries, contributing to $1.2 billion in treatment costs annually. The test is already being validated in athletes, including elite marathon runners, to assess exercise-induced muscle damage and monitor recovery. A parallel proof-of-concept study is underway in racehorses, where an estimated 85% of thoroughbreds suffer at least one injury early in their careers.

The global commercial strategy includes a follow-on rollout into the US via the company’s newly established US reference laboratory, offering scalable access to one of the largest diagnostics markets in the world.

Despite its strong IP pipeline and expanding test portfolio, Proteomics International has faced market headwinds. Shares traded at $0.505 as of 2:15pm AEDT on March 28—up 4.12% on the day—but are still down 56.09% over the past year. The company’s market capitalisation stands at approximately $66.16 million, with 131 million shares on issue. Year-to-date, the stock has declined 36.88%, underperforming both the healthcare sector and the broader ASX 200.

However, with a suite of high-potential diagnostics—including PromarkerD for diabetic kidney disease—and OxiDx on the cusp of commercialisation, investor sentiment may turn as regulatory milestones are met and revenue pathways materialise.