Company Interview / Blinklab teams up with Morocco for autism screening program

Key points:

Smartphone-based digital biomarker platform targeting early autism and ADHD diagnosis Government-funded national roll-out in Morocco used as a large-scale real-world pilot Multi-centre FDA trial in North America aiming for US approval in 2025 Pipeline potential in ADHD, dementia, depression and other neurological conditions Strong share performance on (ASX: BB1) with further capital raising likely later this year

Blinklab’s smartphone-based diagnostic platform for autism and ADHD is positioned as a potential step-change in early childhood screening, according to Brian Leedman of Blinklab. Leedman states the app uses blink reflex and other facial responses to screen children from 18 months to eight years, aiming to deliver earlier, objective diagnoses and faster access to support services, particularly in systems such as Australia’s NDIS.

Leedman highlights a government-backed programme in Morocco, where Blinklab is selected as technology partner for a nationwide autism screening rollout. He notes that Morocco funds programme-related costs while Blinklab supplies the technology, generating what he views as invaluable real-world usability data ahead of formal regulatory approvals. Leedman points to an ongoing FDA study in North America, involving 10 leading hospitals including the Kennedy Krieger and Vanderbilt autism research centres, with completion targeted within months and US regulatory approval hoped for in 2025, followed by Europe, Australia and potentially China.

Leedman says the platform uses machine learning and digital biomarkers to compare patient responses with psychiatrist or paediatrician diagnoses. He sees future applications in ADHD, dementia and depression. Financially, he cites about $6 million cash, trial costs of $4–4.5 million and flags a likely capital raise later in 2024, noting strong recent performance for Blinklab on the ASX (ASX: BB1).