These data are significant as they confirm and reinforce previous findings from several smaller pilot studies and now pave the way for HealthLinx to use these markers in its OvPlex™ multimarker panel. Previous modelling with these biomarkers demonstrated improved diagnostic efficiency of the OvPlex™ panel. In combination with the other OvPlex™ biomarkers we expect a marked improvement in the diagnostic efficiency in early (Stage I-II) ovarian cancer.
“Based upon our initial studies, we always believed that AGR2 and HTX010 would boost the performance of the OvPlex™ test. These early results are certainly in line with expectations and give us great confidence that our target of achieving a test with significantly enhanced diagnostic efficiency is feasible. Our aim is to fine tune the OvPlex™ test to ultimately provide sensitivity and specificity of at least 97% in the target patient population” said Nick Gatsios, Managing Director of HealthLinx.
Further development of the diagnostic use of AGR2 is of particular relevance as Healthlinx is the exclusive licensee of intellectual property covering the use of a highly specific monoclonal antibody that forms the basis of the blood test it has developed. HealthLinx has already signed a non-exclusive license deal for the use of one anti-AGR2 monoclonal antibody for research purposes to the Millipore Corporation, one of the world’s largest research reagent companies.
Based on these data, HealthLinx will now move forward with plans to further develop and partner the AGR2 immunoassay as a clinical diagnostic tool with a range of potential applications related to cancer diagnosis and monitoring.
“There are a range of potential applications emerging for the use of AGR2 as a cancer diagnostic. Although we are examining its potential diagnostic relevance in ovarian cancer patients, some characteristics of AGR2 expression suggest that it could be of value as a diagnostic/prognostic indicator in other cancer patients,” said HealthLinx chief scientific officer Dr Dominic Autelitano.
“It is very encouraging to see that the preliminary stage 1 data of the larger biomarker trial upholds and reinforces our initial ideas about AGR2 and HTX010. The next set of data analysis encompassing all of the original OvPlex™ multimarker panel is expected before the end of this quarter,” said Dr Autelitano.
Enquiries
Nick Gatsios (HealthLinx Limited) +61 3 9208 4200 Rudi Michelson (Monsoon Communications) +61 3 9620 3333
About HealthLinx Limited (ASX:HTX)
HealthLinx uses biomarkers to develop best practice diagnostics that detect and monitor diseases. First commercial targets are for diseases with high fatality:
- Ovarian cancer diagnostic (OvPlex) targeting US$270m pa market
- Prostate cancer targeting US$350m pa market
A biomarker is a specific biochemical in the body that measures disease or the effects of treatment.
HealthLinx has commenced the second larger study for OvPlexTM aiming to prove a diagnostic accuracy of over 97 per cent for early stage ovarian cancer. This larger study is based on 1150 new samples using existing OvPlex™ biomarkers and including two novel biomarkers AGR2 and HTX010. The study will be a robust comparison of sensitivity and specificity especially for early stage diagnosis in symptomatic women. The objective is to cement the position of OvPlex™ as the world’s most accurate and efficient ovarian cancer diagnostic.
The second study is partially funded with $750,000 from the Victorian Government Victoria’s Science Agenda Investment Fund.
www.healthlinx.com.au
Monsoon Communications Level 1 350 Collins Street Melbourne VIC 3000 Ph: 03 9620 3333 www.monsoon.com.au
