Site-Specific Biomarker Platform for Keloid Diagnosis

Keloid disease is a chronic fibroproliferative skin disorder characterised by excessive scar tissue formation that extends beyond the boundaries of the original wound. Accurate diagnosis remains challenging due to the heterogeneous nature of keloids and their similarity to other fibroproliferative skin conditions and aggressive skin tumours. The technology developed by a team of UCT researchers makes use of novel molecular biomarkers for the diagnosis and monitoring of keloid disease. The technology is based on advanced transcriptomic and protein profiling studies that identified three biomarkers which are specifically associated with different anatomical regions of keloid lesions. These biomarkers provide a unique molecular signature capable of distinguishing keloids from normal skin and other pathological skin conditions.

The technology can be implemented through a range of diagnostic approaches, including RT-qPCR assays, antibody-based detection methods, and diagnostic kits. In addition to supporting accurate diagnosis, the biomarkers have potential utility in monitoring treatment response and stratifying patients for personalised therapeutic interventions. The intellectual property further covers the use of the biomarkers in companion diagnostics and therapeutic development.

There is significant commercial potential for the technology within the global dermatology, wound care, and molecular diagnostics markets. The platform addresses a critical unmet need for objective and reliable keloid diagnosis and has the potential to support the development of precision medicine approaches for scar management. UCT is currently exploring further validation of the biomarkers and assessing their application as diagnostic tools.