Welcome to Zilico

Introducing the next generation of cancer diagnostics

Zilico Ltd is pioneering new technologies that will allow swifter, more accurate detection of cervical cancer and pre-cancerous conditions.

Cervical cancer affects around 500,000 women worldwide each year and is responsible for 300,000 deaths. Under current screening practices, in the UK a woman will have a Pap smear, or LBC test every three or five years. If the test is positive, she will be referred to a colposcopy clinic for a detailed cervical examination.

Zilico is developing a new system with two applications to provide “real time” results for women undergoing both these types of test, removing several weeks of waiting for a diagnosis.  The system consists of a portable hand-held device, a single use disposable sleeve and docking station. This system  is safe, painless, and accurate.

The technology used, called electrical impedance spectroscopy, can measure the resistivity of cells and so detect changes as cells progress from normal to precancerous and then to cancerous. This means that assessing smear tests will no longer be a subjective process and the need for diagnostic biopsies will be greatly reduced.

Zilico was formed in 2006 as Aperio Diagnostics Ltd and has focused on developing a commercially manufactured device for the first of its applications, aimed at the colposcopy market. Clinical data on over 900 women has demonstrated superior performance over existing diagnostic procedures.  A EU multi-centre pivotal clinical trial was completed in 2011.  Zilico's first application aimed at the colposcopy market will be launched in 2012.