Sweat patch to monitor high-risk pregnancies
EPFL spin-off MoleSense in Switzerland is developing a needle-free patch that senses biomarkers.
MoleSense’s device channels the sweat on the wearer’s skin through microscopic pathways to DNA-based molecular biosensors. These are said to be capable of precisely recognising complex compounds such as hormones and inflammatory proteins, even when present in extremely low concentrations.
These biological indicators are then converted into measurable signals that can be analysed.
The core of the technology was first developed by Ata Golparvar, the startup’s co-founder, during his PhD.
MoleSense is already working with obstetrics specialists in Lausanne, where early patient trials have evaluated how comfortable and practical the device is to use. The next phase will focus on confirming the reliability of the patch’s biomarker detection and demonstrating its clinical value.
The founders ultimately hope to obtain approval from the US Food and Drug Administration, with a view to bringing the device to market in 2029.
