FeBI secures $2.2M to improve iron diagnosis in First Nations communities

New quantum sensing technology that could transform clinical iron testing has received a major funding boost of $2.2 million through the Australian Government's Critical Technologies Challenge Program, supporting efforts to improve iron diagnosis in First Nations communities.

Existing blood tests measure ferritin – a protein that stores iron – rather than iron itself. FeBI Technologies aims to change that. Image: The Florey Institute

FeBI Technologies – co-founded by University of Melbourne Associate Professor David Simpson, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health Associate Professor Gawain McColl and Dr Nicole Jenkins – is developing a quantum-based blood test able to measure iron levels cheaply, reliably, and accurately.

Associate Professor Simpson said the funding will support FeBI Technologies' mission to revolutionise the diagnosis of iron disorders and improve access to advanced diagnostic tools in First Nations communities.

"Through decades of research, we have developed quantum sensing technology that harnesses the fundamental properties of atoms and light to make physical measurements with unparalleled reliability and precision,” Associate Professor Simpson said.

"We are using the power of quantum sensing to measure the magnetic properties of iron directly from a simple blood test, helping to improve health outcomes and wellbeing for First Nations communities."

Dr Jenkins said existing blood tests measure ferritin – a protein that stores iron – rather than iron itself, and FeBI Technologies aims to change that.

“Iron is vital for health, and iron disorders affect up to one in three people globally. Current iron tests are confounded by chronic health conditions, which disproportionately impact First Nations peoples, resulting in misdiagnosis and delayed treatment,” Dr Jenkins said.

The funding builds on an initial Stage 1 Critical Technologies Challenge Program grant of $494,000, which supported prototype development and community engagement activities in Katherine, Northern Territory.

The translational partnerships with the University of Melbourne, Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health, and Sunrise Health Service Aboriginal Corporation established in Stage 1 will be strengthened, and the consortium grown to include new partner organisations, including the Dijan Training Program (Katherine, NT) and Planet Innovation.

Key outcomes of this project are expected to include increased engagement of First Nations peoples in the national quantum ecosystem, development of an integrated FeBI prototype for testing clinical blood samples, and a strengthened commercialisation roadmap and regulatory data room.

University of Melbourne Professor Sean Taylor, Director of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Health group Onemda, led the work in Katherine and notes the funding will support further trips to the area, to strengthen our engagement with communities and better understand the healthcare and research landscape.

“Strong partnerships with First Nations communities and local health services are central to this work,” Professor Taylor said.

“This funding will help us build on our engagement in the Katherine region, ensuring community priorities guide the development of technology that could improve access to accurate iron testing and support culturally safe care, and better health outcomes, particularly for people facing geographical barriers to accessing health services.”

The Australian Government's Critical Technologies Challenge Program supports the development of quantum and other critical technologies to address some of Australia's most significant national challenges.