Jerusalem-based startup Salignostics has announced that Salistick, the world's first saliva-based pregnancy test, will be marketed at Boots, the UK's largest health and beauty product chain. This test, launched this month in Israel at Super-Pharm stores, will now be available both online and in Boots' physical stores across Britain. Established 175 years ago, Boots boasts over 2,100 locations, ranging from local pharmacies to major city stores.
This move marks a significant milestone for Salistick's penetration into the British market, facilitated by its exclusive distributor in Britain and Ireland, Abingdon Health (AIM: ABDX). Over 100,000 Salistick tests have been sold in Britain alone in recent months. Salistick was also launched in the second half of 2023 in Ireland and Sweden, receiving enthusiastic feedback.
Salistick represents a revolutionary advancement in pregnancy testing, departing from traditional urine-based methods. It is user-friendly, more pleasant compared to conventional tests, and boasts high accuracy from the day of expected menstrual delay. Based on saliva sampling via an easy-to-use "stick", it can be performed conveniently anywhere and anytime, by anyone including partners or other individuals.
Approved by the Israeli Ministry of Health and the European Union (CE), Salistick is manufactured at Salignostics' facility in the Lavan Industrial Zone in the Galilee region. Despite challenges during ongoing conflicts, the company continues its operations, including the production and launch of Salistick, as part of Israel's forefront in technology companies.
Dr. Guy Kreif, co-founder and deputy CEO of Salignostics, commented, "The launch of Salistick at a powerhouse like Boots marks another milestone in our ongoing wave in Europe, especially in Britain. Boots is the largest healthcare product retailer in Britain, dominating the pregnancy test sector. Offering our saliva-based test under their brand will enhance awareness, trust, and adoption among women purchasing Salistick."
The global market for pregnancy tests was valued at $1.7 billion in 2022 and is projected to grow to approximately $2.3 billion by 2028, with an annual growth rate of about 5%. In Israel, the pregnancy testing market was valued at approximately NIS 20 million in 2022, with about one million tests sold annually.
About Salignostics
Founded in 2017 by a team of doctoral researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Salignostics has accumulated years of experience in deciphering saliva secrets. The team includes Prof. Aharon Palmon, a globally recognized researcher in saliva studies, also serving as Vice President for Research and Development at the Hebrew University; Dr. Omer Deutsch, CEO; Dr. Guy Kreif, Deputy CEO; Dr. Reut Cohen, Scientific Director; and Dr. Yoav Neuman, Senior Researcher.
During its development, the company raised funds through seed and Series A investments from private investors and received grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and four grants from the Israel Innovation Authority. Salignostics' estimates enable home testing through simple saliva sampling within minutes. Their technology, which includes breakthrough scientific capabilities in rapid medical testing, is tailored for shelf products and home use by private users, stemming from decades of scientific research.
Among the company's products are rapid tests based on saliva sampling for early pregnancy detection and COVID-19 testing.
Recently, Salignostics announced a collaboration agreement with ARC, the innovation arm of Sheba Medical Center, to develop a mouth cancer detection test based on saliva samples. The company is currently developing saliva-based tests for identifying Streptococcus bacteria, which cause respiratory infections. This product is planned to be part of a panel of respiratory infection saliva tests, specially designed for convenient use among children, in addition to other diseases already in development.