Cleo Diagnostics Revolutionises Ovarian Cancer Screening with Early Detection

Australia-based Cleo Diagnostics (ASX:COV) is poised to offer a groundbreaking solution for ovarian cancer screening through innovative blood tests that promise accurate and early cancer detection.

In a recent interview, Cleo Diagnostics CEO Dr. Richard Allman discussed the company's path to revolutionise ovarian cancer screening.

The insidious nature of ovarian cancer, which often goes undetected until it's too late, has necessitated a fresh approach to early diagnosis. Allman explained that the prototype test from Cleo Diagnostics exhibits a 95 percent sensitivity and specificity rate, and has an accuracy of above 80 percent for detecting early stage cancer. In comparison, the accuracy of the existing biomarker CA 125 is about 50 percent, he said.

"Our prototype test data for early stage cancer is extremely promising," he noted, underscoring the potential for this technology to enhance survival rates dramatically.

The quest for early detection aligns with the urgent need to improve prognosis. "Ovarian cancer, like most solid tumours, can be very successfully treated with surgery if it's caught early," Allman said.

Cleo Diagnostics' three phase approach to commercialisation begins with the deployment of a triage test designed to differentiate between ovarian cancer and benign conditions — streamlining clinical decision making for symptomatic women.

The follow-up recurrence test, as Allman described it, serves to monitor post-surgery patients for signs of cancer return, a plight faced by many within 18 months of initial treatment. The third phase is a general screening test for the broader population, which Allman dubbed the "holy grail in ovarian cancer.”

Crucial to Cleo Diagnostics’ strategy is nurturing investor confidence by unveiling progress metrics and providing regular updates. "We are a commercialisation company aiming to generate revenue at an early stage," Allman highlighted, emphasising the company's focus on moving beyond the research and development phase.

The company is collaborating with renowned cancer research entities and scientific publications that not only educate clinicians on the benefits of Cleo's tests, but also facilitate the crucial inclusion of their product in clinical guidelines. Such visibility could drive widespread clinical adoption, thereby creating a self-reinforcing cycle of evidence-driven promotion and market penetration.

Cleo Diagnostics is also proactively laying down the infrastructure to ensure its tests quickly gain traction once approved. This includes engaging key opinion leaders and building clear pathways for clinic implementation, aiming to minimise the lag between US Food and Drug Administration approval and sales generation.

Watch the full interview with Cleo Diagnostics CEO Richard Allman above.