Vegan Pregnancy Test Makes Its Market Debut: First of Its Kind

Phaeosynt, a Hannover-based startup and spin-off of Leibniz University Hannover, is set to revolutionise the diagnostics industry with its upcoming vegan pregnancy test, "Hey Mela". The test, scheduled for release on September 1, 2025, aims to provide an ethical and sustainable alternative to conventional pregnancy tests.

"Hey Mela" will be available for purchase both online and in various drugstores throughout Germany. The test can be used from the day a period is due, offering convenience to users.

The antibodies used in "Hey Mela" are not obtained from animal sources, making it a cruelty-free option. Unlike conventional pregnancy tests that require hundreds of thousands of animals annually in Europe for antibody production, "Hey Mela" uses antibodies produced within diatoms. The production process involves transferring the antibody blueprint, multiplying it, and extracting the antibodies.

Abcalis, a spin-off of TU Braunschweig, plays a crucial role in this process. Abcalis produces antibodies entirely in test tubes using phage display technology and bacterial-like systems. However, it's important to note that the diatoms used in "Hey Mela" are not produced by Abcalis, but require saltwater, light, and a temperature between 18 and 25 degrees Celsius to grow.

Phaeosynt's Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and one of the founding scientists, Stas Hans, has been instrumental in the development of "Hey Mela". The biotech startup was founded in 2021 as a spin-off from the Leibniz University Hannover.

"Hey Mela" promises a reliability of over 99 percent, making it medically as reliable as traditional products. Phaeosynt also aims to offer sustainable packaging for "Hey Mela", such as biodegradable plastic.

Another method for obtaining antibodies for pregnancy tests involves using animal cell cultures, which is also linked to animal suffering as pregnant cows must be slaughtered. By choosing "Hey Mela", users can make a more ethical and environmentally-friendly choice.

It's worth mentioning that Abcalis' product is not aimed at end-users, but rather at companies that produce diagnostic products. This means that "Hey Mela" will be accessible to a wide range of consumers, making vegan and sustainable diagnostics more accessible to all.

Phaeosynt presented "Hey Mela" on "The Lion's Den", demonstrating the startup's potential to make a significant impact in the diagnostics industry. With "Hey Mela", Phaeosynt is taking a step towards a more sustainable and ethical future in diagnostics.