Singapore, May 7, 2008: Melbourne based HealthLinx Limited will begin marketing and mass distribution of OvPlex (Ovarian cancer diagnostic) in 3rd quarter 2008 with the claim that this is the accurate ovarian cancer diagnostic in the market.

 

HealthLinx is currently re-screening samples used in the initial trial using several new ovarian cancer biomarkers. Based upon an initial analysis of a sub set of samples, one of these biomarkers increases the panel’s performance to a diagnostic efficiency of 97%, an increase of almost four percent over the previous impressive result. The inclusion of this biomarker in the panel may also reduce the number of markers required for effective diagnosis.

 

The release noted that the OvPlex panel had obtained statistical significance for detection of early stage ovarian cancer (as analysed by an independent biostatistician) with results of: Diagnostic Efficiency (92.8 percent), Sensitivity (89.2 percent) and Specificity (93.9 percent).

 

A provisional patent application has been lodged to secure this upgraded multi-marker diagnostic test. The data analysis has been conducted and further evaluation and subsequent phase II biomarker trials will be required for validation and inclusion in the OvPlex panel, the release added.

 

“The data being generated are very encouraging and should significantly improve the performance of the assay. The company will still need to undertake clinical validation of the new biomarker but we are encouraged by the data,” said Mr Nick Gatsios, managing director of HealthLinx.

 

HealthLinx noted that the global sales of the current late stage diagnostic are about $270 million per annum and growing at over 5% per annum.