University of Turku Launches ICDx Project to Commercialize the Next Generation of Hormone Tests

The University of Turku has launched a new Research to Business project, ImmunoComplex Diagnostics for hormone x (ICDx), which aims to accelerate the commercialisation and healthcare implementation of a highly sensitive hormone tests currently being developed by the research group.

The ICDx project aims to develop a novel analytical tool based on anti-immunocomplex antibody technology. The innovation responds to the growing need for accurate and accessible hormone testing.

"Traditional hormone testing methods are too complex, and lack the sensitivity needed for reliable results. Today, the laboratories are forced to rely on complicated and costly techniques to achieve accurate results, and we want to ease that burden by providing a better alternative. We are developing simpler, more affordable, and highly sensitive tests that clinical laboratories can use to accurately measure hormone concentrations," says Janne Leivo, Adjunct Professor at the University of Turku and InFLAMES group leader.

"Beyond clinical use, our technology could be used in home-testing, allowing people to monitor their hormone levels to track for example their fertility and stress," Leivo continues.

Current immunoassays used in hormone analytics often suffer from limited sensitivity, cross-reactivity issues, and inconsistent results across platforms. These limitations can lead to unreliable diagnostics, particularly when detecting low hormone concentrations. As health systems move toward precision medicine and personalised care, the demand for more cost-efficient, reproducible, and scalable diagnostic tools is rapidly growing, a gap ICDx aims to fill.

The technology uses anti-immunocomplex antibodies developed at the Biotechnology Unit of the Department of Life Technologies and the project is part of the strategic research focus areas of the InFLAMES Flagship.

Photographer/Author

"Anti-immunocomplex antibodies offer a completely new mode of detection that can significantly improve the reliability and scalability of hormone analytics," says Leivo. "The goal is not only to develop robust laboratory assays but also to build a scientific foundation for future applications in personalised health and decentralised testing."

One of the innovators working on the antibody and assay development side of the project, doctoral researcher Ida Bäckström from the Doctoral Programme in Immunology (ImmuDocs), highlights the scientific interest and practical importance of the project.

"What is most fascinating about our project is its potential to solve one of the most well-known problems in hormone diagnostics. We're tackling a significant long-standing clinical challenge, and it is extremely rewarding to see how our early laboratory results are evolving into a viable solution for more reliable diagnostics," Bäckström says.

Over its 24-month run, the project will pursue technological validation and commercialisation in parallel. A dedicated business team, led by Senior Development Manager Teppo Hyytiä, is ready for engaging with experts, exploring international markets, and laying the groundwork for a potential start-up.

"There's growing demand for hormone testing, not just in labs, but also through digital health platforms for professionals and consumers," says Hyytiä. "Our goal is to deliver a clinically robust yet scalable solution for multiple markets."

"The ICDx project reinforces the University of Turku's position as a national leader in health innovations, and continues the successful track record of previous R2B projects, Leivo adds.

Business Finland has earlier awarded the project 700 000 euros in funding to support further development and the commercialisation of the invention.

InFLAMES Flagship is a joint initiative of University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Finland. The goal of the Flagship is to integrate the immunological and immunology-related research activities to develop and exploit new diagnostic and therapeutic tools for personalised medicine. InFLAMES is part of Research Council of Finland´s Flagship Programme.

Read more about the project:

ICDx project's webpages

ICDx project in LinkedIn