Ketim Therapeutics enters agreements with Mater Research

Ketim Therapeutics Partners with Mater Research for Queensland Family Cohort (QFC) Study to Advance Research on Predictive Biomarkers for Perinatal Depression
Innovative biotech firm leading the charge in revolutionising mental health diagnostics and treatment strategies through cutting-edge biomarker research and AI technology

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA—September 6, 2024—Ketim Therapeutics (“Ketim Therapeutics Pty Ltd”), a pioneering biotech company at the forefront of mental health innovation, today announced a strategic partnership with Mater Research, one of Australia’s leading medical research institutions. The collaboration will leverage the Queensland Family Cohort (QFC) study to drive groundbreaking research into predictive biomarkers for perinatal depression, aiming to significantly improve early detection and personalised care for mothers and families affected by this mental health condition.

Perinatal depression is a complex and often under-recognised issue that includes a range of serious mental health conditions such as postpartum depression, anxiety disorders, bonding difficulties, and postpartum psychosis. Affecting up to 1 in 5 women during pregnancy and the postnatal period, this condition not only has profound implications for mothers but also impacts the entire family. As Dr. Clarissa Yates, CEO and Founder of Ketim Therapeutics, explains:

"Perinatal depression can profoundly diminish the quality of life for both the mother and her child. It can lead to devastating outcomes if left untreated, including impaired bonding and, in severe cases, tragedy. Our mission at Ketim is to create a simple, accurate, and fast diagnostic tool using blood-based biomarkers to catch the condition early. Through our partnership with Mater Research, we are excited to bring forward innovative technology that could reshape the future of perinatal mental health care."

Ketim’s most advanced research initiative, currently in development, centres around a unique blood-based biomarker kit integrated with predictive AI algorithms. This technology is designed to detect early biological signals of perinatal depression, providing clinicians with the ability to intervene before symptoms fully manifest. Dr. Yates noted that "such innovations have the potential to fill a critical gap in mental health care by offering a much-needed tool for early intervention, giving families access to personalised treatment and support when it’s needed most."

The QFC study, hosted at Mater Hospital, is an extensive longitudinal research project designed to track the health and well-being of families across generations. Its datasets encompass genetic, environmental, and health factors, providing invaluable insights into the complex interplay of influences on mental health outcomes. The study’s cutting-edge molecular techniques are tailored to revolutionise early detection and bespoke care for perinatal mental health disorders, including depression and anxiety.

Mater Research is a key partner in this endeavour. Affiliated with the University of Queensland, it operates the Mater Research Institute and has a long-standing commitment to advancing impactful medical discoveries. Since its founding by the Sisters of Mercy in 1998, Mater Research has played an integral role in ensuring that groundbreaking scientific inquiry informs the care delivered at Mater. The institute has earned a global reputation for its work in maternal and child health, among other fields.

Through this partnership, Ketim Therapeutics and Mater Research aim to establish a new benchmark for diagnostic precision in perinatal mental health. By identifying biological indicators of depression and anxiety earlier than current methods allow, the collaboration could help reduce the long-term effects of untreated maternal mental health issues, ensuring that families receive the best possible care.

This partnership is a critical step in Ketim Therapeutics' broader mission to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and clinical application. It aligns with the company's vision of making mental health diagnostics accessible, personalised, and efficient—ultimately enabling better mental health outcomes for all.

For more information, please visit www.ketim.com.au.