Sweat-based Monitoring and Assessment of Relevant Clinical Biomarkers (SwyCard)

SwyCard is a non-invasive diagnostic platform for neonates, enabling early detection of clinical biomarkers via sweat analysis. Preterm infants often require up to 17 blood tests per day during their first weeks of life, risking up to 30% blood loss and increasing infection risks. Current practices result in missed or delayed diagnoses due to the invasive nature of testing. SwyCard offers a safer, painless alternative through a sweat collection patch. Based on mass spectrometry workflows, the method has demonstrated proof of concept (TRL3) and will be developed to TRL4 using adult and neonatal samples. Compared to blood tests, SwyCard enables easier, repeatable monitoring for vulnerable patients, supporting early diagnostics and reducing healthcare costs. It aligns with RIS3 priorities by advancing biomedicine and smart medical technologies. SwyCard targets hospitals and NICUs, with pilot studies starting at BKUS. The global neonatal care market exceeds $6.5B, indicating strong market potential. Commercialization will involve IP protection, diagnostic partnerships, and scaling to pediatric and adult use. The solution also contributes to EU Green Deal goals by reducing medical waste and biohazards from blood draws. Expected outcomes include: patch and testing protocol, validated biomarkers, 400 tests performed, clinical panel design, TRL4 validation, IP filings, and a shortlist of pilot study leads.