Hong Kong — WomenX Biotech Limited, a leading femtech innovation start-up under the leadership of Hong Kong's Harvard Post-doctorate, The Chinese University of Hong Kong Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) and biochemist Dr. Choi Pui Wah, introduces a market-first innovation1 to transform women's health diagnostics: the PadX for HPV Detection, which offers a ground-breaking alternative to regular invasive and costly cervical cancer screening tests.
Sanitary Pads for Bi-annual HPV Detection; 0 Invasive and 99.2% Accurate
Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is a prevalent, often symptomless virus linked to cervical cancer, affecting 3M women globally annually, according to WHO2. Early detection through regular screening is crucial, with 95% of cervical cancers attributed to persistent HPV infection, according to a statement made by Cancer UK3. Although HPV detection tests such as Pap-Smear Tests are free in some countries like China, there is still 65-70% of women do not take them4, primarily because of their invasive screening nature to collect cells from the cervix and surrounding area. In contrast, similar tests are on average USD120 in other places, including Hong Kong.
WomenX's Sanitary Pad, in cooperation with PANGENIA - one of Hong Kong's most prominent private medical testing laboratories - represents a revolutionary advancement in women's healthcare. As Hong Kong's first non-invasive method to detect 24 HPV types directly from menstrual blood, the pad builds upon academic researches such as Korea5 and China6's and seen adaptations in some brands, yet remains the only sanitary product specifically designed for HPV detection with menstrual blood.
Clinically studied, designed, and manufactured in Hong Kong since 2020, WomenX's pad boasts a clinical study demonstrating 99.2% accuracy and 100% specificity among 119 Hong Kong female participants7 - setting a new standard of accuracy unmatched by any existing non-invasive HPV test8 for women.
"We set a new standard in HPV screening, empowering women with accessible, accurate, and discreet health monitoring options," explains Dr. Choi. "I believe we have opened the door to detection-based sanitary product lines, paving the way for further discoveries about what menstrual blood can reveal regarding other female health risks."
WomenX: Use Science to Evolve Women into “Future Women”
Founded to revolutionize women's health diagnostics, WomenX aims to enhance early disease detection and empower women through innovative, accessible solutions. With over 15 years of research in female cancer-related diseases, Dr. Choi leads the change toward a healthier, more informed society. This includes launching its own Hong Kong-made sanitary product brand, LA ROSÉE, and implementing/ deploying vending machines for sanitary products in female restrooms.
"We envision a future where women globally have access to cutting-edge health technologies," states Dr. Choi. "I saw suffering from all sorts of women's illnesses and health issues since I was young. Therefore, I was not a happy kid; our inventions hope to help undermine late-stage female diseases, leading to happier, healthier women on this planet, eventually preparing them for everything in life – and this is what we call the Future Women." She adds.
WomenX Highlighted Programme
Tech for Impact: STEM Entrepreneurial Stewardship
In collaboration with the Hong Kong Science and Technology Parks Corporation (HKSTP), this unique two-week stewardship programme for participants aged 15 and above offers a hands-on experience in biotech, AI, and social innovation, centred on the development of a sanitary pad vending machine solution.
Through laboratory testing, product design, and IoT system application, students engage in collaborative STEM learning focused on product safety and social impact. The programme enables participants to develop and prototype innovative menstrual health solutions while gaining first-hand experience in leadership, innovation, and real-world application.
Upon completion, students will receive a personal reference letter from WomenX femtech founder Dr. Pui-Wah Choi, as well as a certificate jointly awarded by HKSTP.
