The SubB2M™-based SPR test will detect for pan-cancer biomarker Neu5Gc in blood samples on Alto™, and will initially be used as a cancer risk assessment test.
We’re excited to announce our partnership with Australian diagnostics leader INOVIQ to develop a surface plasmon resonance (SPR) based cancer risk assessment test. Leveraging INOVIQ’s SubB2M™ cancer detection technology, the test will be performed on Alto, our digital high-throughput SPR platform, for the detection of the pan-cancer biomarker Neu5Gc.
Read more on the partnership below, or check out the full press release.
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INOVIQ SubB2M™ technology
INOVIQ is an Australian-based biotechnology company developing and commercializing next-generation exosome capture tools and precision diagnostics to improve the diagnosis and treatment of cancer and other diseases. INOVIQ’s proprietary SubB2M pan-cancer detection technology is a promising new approach for cancer detection.
SubB2M is a novel and proprietary protein engineered to detect the pan-cancer biomarker Neu5Gc, which is found at elevated levels in cancerous cells and has important diagnostic and prognostic implications. Neu5Gc arises as a byproduct of cells transforming to malignancy and has been identified in various human cancers.
Initial clinical studies have shown compelling data on SubB2M’s sensitivity and specificity in detecting all stages of breast and ovarian cancer, and INOVIQ’s initial focus is on developing SubB2M immunoassays for monitoring of breast and ovarian cancers.
Nicoya DMF-based SPR technology
Alto is the world’s first digital, high-throughput, benchtop SPR system powered by digital microfluidics (DMF) technology. Alto’s proprietary integration of fluidics and localized SPR (LSPR) biosensors into a single cartridge has revolutionized SPR by providing a more user-friendly, economical, and streamlined alternative to conventional SPR, which is considered too expensive and technically complex for use in commercial settings and diagnostic laboratories.
SubB2M x LSPR for pan-cancer diagnostics
The SubB2M-based SPR test will be developed using a highly specific genetically engineered lectin probe to detect the presence of Neu5Gc as an indicator of cancer.
Initial proof-of-concept studies performed on conventional SPR instruments successfully demonstrated the detection of breast and ovarian cancers across all stages by a SubB2M-based test, with 100% specificity and >95% sensitivity. However, to develop this technology as an in vitro diagnostic test, a scalable SPR platform compatible with routine pathology workflows was needed.
Alto’s disruptive digital technology provides automated analysis of ultra-low sample volumes, in addition to a 16-channel design that makes it highly compatible for high-throughput diagnostics. With its ability to generate industry-leading data while containing all fluidics in single, disposable nanoplasmonic-based cartridges, Alto has the potential to be used as an IVD device in pathology labs worldwide.
A preliminary feasibility study was conducted with Alto to verify its compatibility with the SubB2M technology, with positive results corroborating the potential for the SubB2M-based SPR test to be developed as a multi-cancer diagnostic test on Alto.
Upon further development and validation of the SubB2M-based SPR test, INOVIQ and Nicoya plan to commercialize the technology for the detection and monitoring of multiple cancers.
Read the full INOVIQ announcement to learn more.