INOVIQ (ASX:IIQ) signs agreement with Nicoya Lifesciences to develop SubB2M-based test

• INOVIQ (IIQ) signs a contract research agreement with Nicoya Lifesciences to develop a SubB2M-based test that uses its Alto digital surface plasmon resonance (SPR) platform
• The company believes a SubB2M-based SPR test has the potential to be developed as a multi-cancer detection test that first detects the Neu5Gc cancer signal
• Under the agreement, INOVIQ will pay an agreed cost for the work undertaken and the project is expected to be complete within six months from the commencement date
• The parties have made an intention to enter into a commercial arrangement enabling INOVIQ to commercialise the SubB2M‐based SPR test if successful
• Shares in INOVIQ end the day 2.56 per cent in the green to close at 60 cents

INOVIQ (IIQ) has signed a contract research agreement with Canadian biotechnology company Nicoya Lifesciences to develop a prototype SubB2M-based test.

The test will be developed on Nicoya’s Alto digital surface plasmon resonance (SPR) platform which allows for real‐time interaction analysis powered by digital microfluidics
(DMF) technology.

According to the company, the SubB2M‐based SPR test has the potential to be developed as a multi‐cancer detection test that first detects the Neu5Gc cancer signal and then applies a biomarker panel to determine its origin.

Under the contract, the statement of work undertaken includes technology transfer, assay development and initial evaluation of assay throughput of a SubB2M‐based test for detection of Neu5Gc on the Alto SPR instrument.

The company will pay an agreed cost for the work undertaken and the project is expected to complete within six months from the commencement date.

On successful completion, INOVIQ will need to conduct additional studies to further develop and validate the SubB2M‐based SPR test for risk assessment of multiple cancers.

“Based upon the [previous] compelling SubB2M‐based SPR results, INOVIQ is excited by the potential to develop SubB2M‐based SPR tests for multi‐cancer detection and monitoring,” INOVIQ CEO Dr Leearne Hinch said.

“Nicoya’s Alto SPR instrument has the potential to be approved as an IVD device for the delivery of such clinical diagnostics in pathology laboratories worldwide.”

The parties have made an intention to enter into a commercial arrangement enabling INOVIQ to commercialise the SubB2M‐based SPR test if successful.

Shares in INOVIQ ended the day 2.56 per cent in the green to close at 60 cents.