- The University of Queensland (UQ) unveils “promising” results for a potential ovarian cancer test using BARD1 Life Sciences’ (BD1) EXO-NET product
- UQ has been trialing the test using BD1’s technology to isolate exosomes from the blood of cancer patients within 15 minutes
- So far, trials of diagnostic tests in 500 women have shown 90 per cent accuracy
- BD1 says the technology could be ideal for first-line population screening
- BARD1 shares closed down 2.2 per cent at $1.55 on July 28
Researchers at the University of Queensland (UQ) have unveiled “promising” results for a potential ovarian cancer test using BARD1 Life Sciences’ (BD1) EXO-NET product.
Recent trials of the test utilised BD1’s research-use-only technology to isolate exosomes from the blood of cancer patients within 15 minutes.
Exosomes refer to a specific type of extracellular vesicle, which are tiny particles released by most cells, including cancer cells, into bodily fluids.
According to BD1, they provide variable clues to a person’s health and can be used to diagnose and treat diseases, including cancers.
UQ Associate Professor and lead researcher of the university’s ovarian cancer project, Carlos Salomon, said work to date had generated “very positive” results.
“EXO-NET provides a simple and rapid exosome capture technology, which has been used with our ovarian cancer test developed at UQ and has great potential for clinical applications,” Dr Salomon said.
Earlier this week, UQ researchers told Brisbane’s The Courier Mail they were encouraged by the results of tests undertaken in 500 women.
So far, trials of the test have reportedly recorded a 90 per cent accuracy rate for diagnoses, which BD1 suggests could make the technology ideal for first-line population screening.
BARD1 CEO Learn Hinch said the work by UQ showcased the advantages of EXO-NET in translating research into commercial diagnostic tests.
“We look forward to continuing to work with Associate Professor Salomon and the University of Queensland to bring this, and potentially other exosome-based cancer tests to the market,” Dr Hinch said.
Under an agreement between the partners, BARD1 retains the exclusive option to licence the technology once developed.
Early research for the test was supported by the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation.
BARD1 Life Sciences shares closed down by 2.2 per cent at $1.55 on July 28, 2021.