Menstrual blood: the best sampling source you never heard of

Taking advantage of a natural non-invasive biopsy.

Menstrual blood represents an innovative and minimally invasive sample type offering valuable insights for clinical trials and drug development. This webinar explores the biology and physiology of menstrual blood, highlights various practical collection methods including tampons, cups, and pads, and discusses the importance of pre-analytical standardization to ensure consistent, high-quality data.

Featuring case studies from leading innovators Qvin and NextGen Jane, attendees will gain practical knowledge on implementing menstrual blood-based diagnostics and hear first-hand patient testimonials emphasizing real-world applications.

Of interest to:

  • Pharmaceutical companies who are seeking timeline compression of drug discovery and drug development endeavors
  • CROs who want to offer sex-specific insights for clinical trials
  • Diagnostic developers who want to understand the potential of this emerging sample type
  • Researchers who want to include this sample type in their clinical studies

​​​​​​What you will learn

  • Different ways to collect menstrual blood and the players participating in this space.
  • What are the interesting things you can find in menstrual blood?
  • What are interesting use cases currently being explored
  • How can this be useful in your own work?

Speakers

Paul D Blumenthal

Professor Emeritus, Obstetrics and Gynecology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford Program for International Reproductive Education and Services (SPIRES)

Dr Paul D Blumenthal is a distinguished expert in obstetrics and gynecology, with a focus on family planning and reproductive health. As Professor Emeritus at Stanford University, he directed the Gynecology Service from 2009 to 2021 and currently leads the Stanford Program for International Reproductive Education and Services (SPIRES), providing technical assistance and training to reproductive health programs across Africa, Asia, and Central America. With over 35 years of experience, Dr Blumenthal has advised numerous international agencies, including the World Health Organization, and has served as Special Advisor to the Minister of Health and Family Planning of Madagascar. His research encompasses menstrual blood diagnostics, postpartum IUD insertion, and cervical cancer prevention, aiming to enhance reproductive health globally.

Ridhi Tariyal

CEO, NextGen Jane

Ridhi Tariyal, BS, Georgia Tech; MBA, Harvard University; SM, MIT; Blavatnik Fellow; Ferolyn Fellow, is CEO and co-Founder of NextGen Jane. At NextGen Jane, Ridhi has driven the development of a novel menstrual data platform characterizing uterine biology at a molecular level. In this effort, she has raised capital, established an IP position, and developed a team to create both novel hardware and software to change how women access care. Before NGJ, Ridhi worked at the Broad Institute and at Bristol Myers Squibb.

Søren Therkelsen

CPO, Qvin

Søren Therkelsen is a seasoned leader in the medical device and diagnostics industry, with a strong background in entrepreneurship and innovation. As the Chief Strategy Officer at Qvin, he oversees manufacturing, operations, quality systems, software development, intellectual property, and product development. Qvin is a pioneering health-tech company behind the Q-Pad™, the world’s first FDA-cleared diagnostic menstrual pad, enabling non-invasive blood testing through menstrual blood collection.

Neil Spooner

Director Spooner Bioanalytical Solutions & Chair Patient Centric Sampling Interest Group

Neil is the Founder of Spooner Bioanalytical Solutions, helping companies to integrate biological fluid microsampling, and patient centric sampling and analysis into workflows. He also works with organizations to develop technologies and introduce them to the market. Neil also assists organizations with their understanding of emerging trends in the pharmaceutical industry and bioanalysis. Neil is a Senior Visiting Research Fellow at the University of Hertfordshire, Editor in Chief of the journal, Bioanalysis, Founder of the Patient Centric Sampling Interest Group and Co-Chair of the Reid Bioanalytical Forum. He has published over 70 peer reviewed manuscripts and delivered over 50 podium presentations.​​​​​​​

In association with