Proteomics secures licence for simpler cancer test

Proteomics International Laboratories has added another cancer-fighting tool to its kitbag, inking a deal for an exclusive worldwide licence to develop a diagnostic test for oesophageal cancer.

It hopes to use a simple blood test to replace endoscopy, the invasive and costly procedure currently used, to detect the most common form of oesophageal cancer, oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

Perth-based Proteomics is a medical technology company located on the QEII Medical Campus in Nedlands. It specialises in developing predictive and diagnostic tests for a number of diseases.

The company was granted the licence by the QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, formerly the Queensland Institute of Medical Research, that owns the intellectual property to biomarkers used to test for the cancer.

Biomarkers are protein “fingerprints” in the blood that indicate something is happening or has happened within the body.

Proteomics and QIMR Berghofer have been able to identify a panel of biomarkers with potential to be used for a diagnostic test for the cancer, and they were validated by a study of more than 300 patients.

Proteomics’ licence allows it to develop and commercialise a simple blood test using these biomarkers. The goal is to screen for oesophageal cancer rather than use the endoscopy procedure.

The test will be targeted at patients with Barrett’s oesophagus, a pre-malignant condition.

About one in 50 people in Australia, Europe and the USA have Barrett’s oesophagus, an asymptomatic condition that can lead to oesophageal adenocarcinoma.

“It’s a diet-led cancer and as consequence of poor diet, people can experience acid reflux that can lead to the burning of the oesophagus and potentially cancer,” Proteomics managing director, Dr Richard Lipscombe, explains.

“The market is trying to address better screening for people who are in this category.”

These at-risk patients are currently screened with invasive and costly endoscopy procedures. Instead, this panel of biomarkers can detect the early stages of oesophageal adenocarcinoma, which we hope to do using a simple blood test.

First, comes more studies — statistic modelling studies to guide Proteomics in developing an algorithm or model so the biomarkers can best work together to diagnose the disease. Next, a study to clinically validate the new model.

The studies can take about six months and, if successful, the product’s journey to commercialisation continues.

While there is no figure on the potential market for such a test, the evidence suggests an ageing demographic and the medical cost of endoscopies, estimated at US$2750 per patient in the USA, means it is sizeable.

In aggregate, the global biomarkers market size was valued at US$51.18 billion in 2020 and is expected to grow annually at 14 per cent from 2021 to 2028.

Proteomics passed a milestone this month in its drive to commercialise its lead product PromarkerD, a ground-breaking blood test that can predict diabetic kidney disease.

It has several other diagnostic research and development projects in its pipeline, including tests for endometriosis, asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

Its research pipeline is partially funded by its bioanalytical services and research and development tax rebates. At the end of the March quarter this year, it had cash reserves of $3.3 million.

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