Press release
01 Jul 2023
HLL collaborates with UE LifeSciences, USA to launch iBreastExam
Thiruvananthapuram, 01 July 2023: HLL Lifecare Limited, a Government of India ‘Mini
Ratna’ Public Sector Enterprise joined hands with UE LifeSciences, a leading women’s
health innovator based in USA to combat the high mortality rates associated with breast
cancer by introducing ‘iBreastExam’, a revolutionary device for early detection.
India witnesses more breast cancer-related deaths than any other country, with a
significant number of women under the age of 50 succumbing to the disease, as per the
Global Cancer Observatory study. The majority of cases are detected at a later stage
resulting in poor survival rates. To find out an innovative solution to this, HLL has
empanelled UE LifeSciences for five years to bring iBreastExam to the forefront for
nationwide reach.
iBreastExam offers a standardized process for clinical breast exams, eliminating
variabilities in the examination process. Given the challenges associated with
mammogram screening in low resource settings, this device serves as a practical
alternative. Clinically validated through independent studies involving over 25,000
women, iBreastExam is a unique technology that promises to revolutionalise breast
health screening.
K.Beji George IRTS, C&MD HLL expressed happiness in the collaboration, stating “We
are delighted to partner with UE LifeSciences to expand our women’s health product
portfolio. With iBreastExam, we can provide access to early detection of breast cancer
to every woman right at their doorstep at the most affordable rates. The collaboration is
set to benefit millions of women across India and save numerous lives.
iBreastExam incorporates Dynamic Co-Planar Capacitive Sensor Technology to
measure the differences in tissue elasticity in real-time, at the point of care and without
requiring manual interpretation. It helps in identifying and triaging for clinically relevant
breast lumps in healthy, asymptomatic women.Being hand-held, non-invasive and
radiation-free, it helps to bring early detection to women, in the communities where they
2 live and work. iBreastExam also facilitates seamless patient followup by securely storing
data on the cloud.
The device is designed for use by frontline health workers, nurses, primary care doctors
and NGOs operating in the women’s health areas.
iBreastExam has undergone over 8 independent clinical studies to check for its
accuracy, effectiveness and acceptability in women. These independent studies were
conducted by prestigious cancer research centers such as the Malabar Cancer Center
(India), The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center (USA) and others. The results
have been published in peer-reviewed high-impact international journals such as The
Lancet Global Health, The American Society of Breast Surgeons, San Antonio Breast
Symposium, The Journal of Clinical Oncology and others.
The iBreastExam has obtained approvals in more than 12 countries. It has received
clearance from US FDA and holds certifications including CE Mark, ISO 13485 and
WHO GMP. It has also been recognised by WHO Compendium as “Innovative Health
Technology for Low Resource Settings’.
This cost effective solution has the potential to bring down the average cost per test for
a breast examination screening to approximately Rs 500 per examination.
HLL plans to offer the product to various state governments for the implementation of
early detection programmes at various states. Furthermore, HLL will be directly
collaborating with private healthcare players and NGOs in order to expand the reach of
iBreastExam.
About HLL Lifecare Limited
HLL Lifecare Limited (HLL) formerly known as Hindustan Latex Limited, is a Mini Ratna
Government of India Enterprise under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare. HLL was
established in 1966 for the manufacture and supply of condoms under the National
Family Planning Programme of Govt. of India. Over the years HLL has emerged as one
of the foremost providers of healthcare products and services in India. With a wide
spectrum of activities, HLL touches the lives of millions across the world thereby rightly
realising its motto of ‘Innovating for Healthy Generations’. The foundation of HLL’s
legacy is its focus on high quality and affordable costs. HLL has an exclusive women
healthcare division that offers products including female condoms, sanitary napkins,
menstrual cups, pregnancy test kits, and others.
About UE LifeSciences
UE LifeSciences is an award-winning women’s health company making early detection
of leading cancers in women, equitable and accessible globally. UE LifeSciences is a
member of the American Cancer Society and UICC (Union for International Cancer
3 Control). Recently the company has announced US distribution partnership with
Siemens Healthineers and has won Global Women’s HealthTech award from The World
Bank, IFC and CTA. UE LifeSciences has also developed the CervAIcal, a hand-held
mobile Colposcope to screen for Cervical abnormalities. The product has already
obtained CDSCO approval and European CE Mark. Official product launch is expected
in 2023.To learn more visit https://www.uelifesciences.com/
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