GenoSur: Biotech Develops Self-Sampling Test to Detect Human Papilloma
The clinical laboratory specialized in molecular biology seeks to prevent the high rates of death of women from cervical cancer.
Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancer diseases in women between the ages of 30 and 54. Every year, approximately one thousand new cases are registered in Chile (two women die every day in our country -ref: PAHO-). The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is the main cause of this type of cancer, affecting around 16% of Chilean women.
As part of World Cervical Cancer Prevention Day, a Chilean innovation is revolutionizing the way this disease is detected. This is GenoSUR, a medical technology startup that has developed a vaginal self-sampling kit based on molecular biology, allowing women anywhere in Chile to self-take a sample and perform a safe examination without the need for a professional (SAFEM).
“PAP is still used to prevent cervical cancer. This test detects the presence of pre-cancerous lesions and is performed in a doctor’s office. At GenoSUR we developed SaFem, which allows us to detect the risk of developing this disease up to 5 years before PAP, and from the comfort of the patient’s home,” said Camila SolĂs, PhD in Biotechnology at GenoSUR. He added that, “no matter where you are in Chile, we can get there with SaFem.”
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With this, SaFem seeks the democratization of prevention and access to women’s health. The kit developed can reach all of Chile and allows the patient to access cervical cancer prevention through self-sampling, eliminating barriers such as time, money and mobility.
“All sexually active people are at risk of being infected with the human papillomavirus (HPV). Getting an exam with the latest technologies available is a totally worthwhile investment and one that I wish we could all access,” said Dr. Schoenstatt. Marcela Machuca, gynecologist who is part of the Vida Mujer team.
This innovation has been endorsed by the main health authorities in Chile, such as the Institute of Public Health and the Seremi de Salud, as well as by the FDA in the United States. In addition, SaFem manufactures its products under the international standards of the ISO 13485 standard for medical devices, guaranteeing the quality and reliability of its services.
On World Cervical Cancer Prevention Day, SaFem is positioned as a benchmark in the fight against this disease, offering women the possibility of taking care of their health in an easy, safe and accessible way. “We are changing the way women deal with this disease, empowering them and giving them control over their health and well-being,” said Daniela Mendoza, Co-founder of GenoSUR.
For more information about SaFem and how to purchase the vaginal self-sampling kit, visit their website
How to use
SaFem sampling is easy, fast, comfortable and intimate as it can be done from home by applying the vaginal swab with the self-sampling kit. The sample is then sent to the laboratory, and the results are then sent by email.
The SaFem exam is available at GenoSUR, you can purchase it through https://safem.genosur.com/