The National Institutes of Health (NIH) has announced a new initiative aimed at accelerating the development of non-invasive technologies for diagnosing endometriosis, a chronic condition that affects approximately 10% of reproductive-aged women worldwide. The RADx Tech ACT ENDO Challenge, co-led by the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD) and the National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering (NIBIB), offers up to $3 million in cash prizes to innovators who can bring groundbreaking diagnostic tools to market.
Endometriosis is a gynecological disease characterized by the growth of tissue similar to the uterine lining in other parts of the body. This condition can cause severe chronic pain, abnormal bleeding, and infertility, making it a significant health concern for millions of women. Despite its prevalence, endometriosis often goes undiagnosed for years, with the current standard requiring invasive laparoscopic surgery for confirmation. This not only delays treatment but also limits access to diagnosis, particularly in underserved communities.
The ACT ENDO Challenge seeks to address these issues by encouraging the development of innovative and non-invasive diagnostic solutions. Potential technologies could include advanced imaging, in vitro diagnostic devices, wearable devices, smartphone-enabled tools, integrated sensing technologies, and digital health platforms. The goal is to shorten the diagnosis time, eliminate the need for invasive procedures, and improve the accessibility, safety, convenience, and cost-effectiveness of endometriosis diagnostics.
Dr. Diana W. Bianchi, Director of NICHD, highlighted the importance of this challenge, stating, “Endometriosis is one of the most common gynecological diseases, but it can take up to 10 years to get a diagnosis. The goal of this challenge is to make a meaningful impact for the millions—roughly 10 percent globally—of reproductive-age women and girls who have endometriosis.”
The competition will be conducted over two years and will consist of three phases:
- Phase I: Submissions are due by October 11, 2024. Up to eight semifinalists will be selected to advance.
- Phase II: Semifinalists will present their technology in a virtual event, with up to four winners receiving $100,000 each and advancing to the next phase.
- Phase III: Finalists will work with the RADx Tech Project Team to refine their prototypes, with opportunities to earn additional milestone prizes. Final awards will range from $100,000 to $600,000 each.
The challenge not only aims to improve diagnostic tools but also to address the broader impact of delayed diagnosis on treatment and research. Current diagnostic barriers often result in healthcare providers treating patients without a confirmed diagnosis, which can lead to suboptimal care and skew research toward more severe cases. By developing new diagnostic approaches, the ACT ENDO Challenge seeks to make diagnosis more accessible and equitable for all women, regardless of socioeconomic status or geographic location.
The ACT ENDO Challenge is open to U.S.-based innovators, including startups, small- or mid-size businesses, non-profit organizations, and academic institutions.
