A yeast-infection home test developed by a small company in Ashdod is being evaluated by the US Department of Defense for integration into self-testing and treatment kits for female warriors serving in harsh conditions.
The SaviCheck Vaginal Yeast Test was developed by Savion Diagnostics and is part of a large-scale, multisite clinical trial being conducted at military medical centers and commands across the United States.
The test has been approved by the Ministry of Health and the European Medicines Agency.
The yeast-infection test is unique in that it was developed based on the same technology used in over-the-counter pregnancy tests. Users swab themselves to obtain a sample of cervical secretions, which is then developed by a small machine. It takes only 10-20 minutes to get the result.
In Israel, the test costs NIS 20–NIS 30 and is reminiscent of rapid coronavirus antigen screening tests.
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There’s “Nothing Like It” for Yeast Infections, Tells Savian Diagnostics CEO Natan Wilfand Jerusalem Post. “It’s very comfortable and user-friendly.”
Nathan Wilfand. (credit: Amir Terkel)Savian developed the test 12 years ago but only recently introduced it internationally. Willfand said the relationship with the US defense establishment is meant to help fast-track SavvyCheck to approval, which could come in the next nine to 15 months.
“The idea of the US military is to treat women who are in the field,” he said. “Many people develop Candida from living in difficult conditions. The military is trying to provide these women with diagnostic and treatment kits.
Savian also recommended it for IDF, but it hasn’t shown interest in using it yet, Willfand said.
A yeast infection, scientifically known as vulvovaginal candidiasis, is one of the most common challenges women face. However, it is often misdiagnosed because its symptoms are similar to those of other pathogens.
Yeast infection is triggered by an overgrowth of Candida albicans cells in the vagina – a common fungus that does not naturally cause infection. However, when there is an overgrowth of Candida cells, vulvovaginal candidiasis can result.
Yeast infections cause itching, vaginal pain and burning, rashes and burning – the latter usually during urination.
According to the company, about 75% of all women will be diagnosed with a yeast infection at least once in their lives, and 40%-50% of them will have more than one.
The risk of developing this type of infection is increased in women who take contraceptives or antibiotics or who have diabetes or immunosuppression. It can also flare up during pregnancy.
Delaying treatment of candidiasis can lead to more serious genitourinary tract diseases.
“Savion’s testing and its involvement in research, both locally and internationally, is a major success in view of an Israeli company developing and producing a first of its kind and unique test at a facility in Ashdod,” said Gamidor Diagnostics Said Jacob Ofer, president of Savon’s parent company.
He said he believes the test will prove to be “an easy-to-use, reliable and available solution that will prevent infection and present substantial advances in the health of women war fighters.”