Jerusalem-based start-up Salignostics, which developed the world’s first saliva-based pregnancy test, announced the general availability of PregiCheck™, its product based on the SaliStick™ pregnancy test, in stores of the Rossmann chain—one of the largest pharmacy networks in Germany and Europe, with locations across Germany and online. Distribution in the chain is managed by MERTZ Pharma Handel GmbH, Salignostics’ business partner responsible for distributing its products in Germany.
Rossmann employs 65,000 people and operated approximately 5,000 stores in 2024. The Rossmann Group’s revenue across Europe reached €15.3 billion last year, of which €9.9 billion came from its German operations. Analysts estimate that the home testing market in Germany reached $508 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to $846 million by 2030. The pregnancy test category alone reached $80 million in Germany. The test is currently marketed in the UK, through Super-Pharm, and in Israel.
Saliva-based pregnancy tests remove many barriers that have historically made such tests difficult to perform, such as the need to handle samples or maintain sterility. A saliva-based test simplifies the process, reduces the likelihood of user errors, and helps users overcome concerns related to self-testing.
Dr. Guy Kriaf, Co-Founder and Deputy CEO of Salignostics, said: “Germany is a key market for the expansion of SaliStick, where consumer demand for convenience is realized through a large-scale retail network. With the help of MERTZ and Rossmann, we can introduce a clean, urine-free pregnancy test into consumers’ daily shopping carts.”
Michael Mentschke, CEO of MERTZ Pharma Handel GmbH, added: “Consumers in Germany trust practical health products with a clear purpose. PregiCheck™ SaliStick™ MERTZ aligns with this behavior: It is simple and convenient to use, familiar in shape, and eliminates the discomfort associated with previous test formats. Our goal, in collaboration with Salignostics, is to provide the product through pharmacy chains and additional pharmacies in Germany, and eventually expand to other EU countries.”
Salignostics will unveil the next generation of SaliStick products at Medica 2025—the world’s largest medical technology trade fair, taking place in Düsseldorf from November 17–20. The new version of the product features subtle flavors during saliva collection and offers a unique user experience with a range of alternatives to choose from, while maintaining high accuracy from the very first day of a delayed menstrual cycle.
Additionally, Salignostics will showcase Salicomb, a CE-approved platform for collecting and processing saliva samples. The platform is designed to assist test developers and manufacturers in adapting technologies such as RT-PCR, ELISA, LAMP, and immunoassays for saliva, through precise measurement of sample volume and reduction of inhibitory substances—technical barriers that previously made saliva more challenging to use compared to blood or urine. The aim is to make saliva a reliable and consistent sample, suitable for both laboratory workflows and home testing, enabling convenient, efficient, and accessible diagnostic solutions.
Salignostics is also developing saliva-based tests for detecting Streptococcus A and test panels for identifying sexually transmitted infections and respiratory infections. The company participates in the national LiquidBx program of the Israeli Innovation Authority and is leading the development of a saliva test for early, non-invasive diagnosis of pancreatic cancer, with encouraging preliminary results reporting over 90% accuracy.
About SaliStick
SaliStick is an innovative, breakthrough pregnancy test that departs from the traditional urine-based model. It is easy to use, more comfortable compared to traditional pregnancy tests, and highly accurate from the day after a missed period. SaliStick uses a saliva sample collected easily and aesthetically via a stick. It can be used simply and conveniently, anywhere and anytime, alongside a partner or any other person.
About Salignostics
Founded in 2017 by a team of PhD researchers from the Hebrew University of Jerusalem with extensive experience in saliva research, Salignostics’ founders include Prof. Aharon Palmon, a world-renowned saliva researcher and Vice President for Research and Development at the Hebrew University; Dr. Omer Deutsch (CEO); Dr. Guy Kriaf (Deputy CEO); Dr. Reluca Cohen (Scientific Director); and Dr. Yoav Neumann (Senior Researcher). During its development, the company raised pre-seed and seed capital from private investors and received grants from the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH) and four grants from the Israeli Innovation Authority.