ResApp founder back to ASX with BlinkLab

The company leverages the power of smartphones, AI and machine learning to deliver screening tests.

BlinkLab executive chair Brian Leedman will be hoping to replicate his success at ResApp, which was bought out by Pfizer in a $179m deal, as his new venture heads to the ASX boards next month.

BlinkLab is raising $7m through the issue of new shares at 20c apiece, with a view to listing on April 4.

The company is based on research from neuroscientists out of Princeton University and aims to simplify the early diagnosis of conditions such as autism spectrum disorder and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children.

“Our innovative approach leverages the power of smartphones, AI and machine learning to deliver screening tests specifically designed for children as young as 18 months old,’’ the company’s prospectus says. “This marks a significant advancement, considering traditional diagnoses typically occur around five years of age, often missing the crucial early window for effective intervention.”

BlinkLab says its smartphone-based diagnostic tool has already been developed, and “we are seeking investment to finalise an FDA Class II medical device registration study in partnership with leading US university hospitals’’.

Mr Leedman was co-founder of ResApp Diagnostics, which became ResApp Health after being acquired by Narhex Life Sciences, which was bought out by Pfizer in 2022.

Hendrikus Johannes Boele, a visiting researcher at Princeton, will be BlinkLab’s chief executive following the listing. Westar Capital is lead manager for the raise, which is not underwritten.