New Australian Prostate Cancer Diagnostic Technology to Feature at International Urology Conference

SYDNEY, May 14, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- A new prostate cancer diagnostic test developed by Australian scientists will be featured at a prestigious international oncology conference next week.

The MiCheck™ technology, developed by scientists at Minomic International Ltd, will be presented to international delegates at the American Urology Association late breaking science plenary session, which is being held in New Orleans from 15 - 19 May. This conference is the largest annual gathering of urologists globally and is expected to draw over 10,000 delegates.

Trial investigator, Dr Jonathan Henderson, will present full data from Minomic's recent pilot study of the MiCheck™ technology on 300 patient samples collected from 10 key urology research centres within the CUSP network, located with geographical diversity throughout the United States. Dr Henderson has worked closely with the principal investigator for the study, Dr Neal Shore.

The non-randomised pilot study was designed to further verify the accuracy and reliability of the technology in differentiating normal, benign and prostate cancer samples. The MiCheck™ technology uses Glypican-1 (GPC-1) which is a newly identified biomarker in prostate cancer. GPC-1 shows clinical utility in improving specificity of detection for prostate cancer when comparing both prostate cancer patients to those patients who are otherwise healthy or who have documented benign prostatic disease.

Minomic Chief Executive Officer Dr Brad Walsh said the American Urology Association presentation was a critical platform to highlight the company's lead technology, particularly in the high value United States market.

He commented: "This event draws together key opinion leaders in urology from around the world. Presenting our technology at this important showcase is a terrific opportunity. We look forward to presenting full data from the recent successful pilot study, which has shown that MiCheck™ is twice as specific as standard prostate cancer screening technologies."

The MiCheck™ technology is being commercially positioned as an adjunctive test, so it will be used in combination with, rather than a replacement for, existing PSA screening tests.

Dr Shore said he was pleased to continue as principal investigator "A subsequent pivotal trial of the MiCheck™ technology will be launched in the United States later this year, with clinicians/researchers screening 1200 patient samples to provide final stage validation. These results, combined with results from this 300 patient study, will be evaluated and subsequently included in a comprehensive data package submitted to the Food and Drug Administration for regulatory approval."

The test is expected to be available in selected markets at the end of 2015/early 2016.

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About Minomic

Minomic International Ltd is an Australian privately owned biomarker discovery company specialising in in-vitro-diagnostics, diagnostic imaging and therapeutics for prostate cancer. Minomic has developed the in vitro diagnostic test called MiCheck™ for the early detection of prostate cancer.  The key reagents, including the MIL-38 antibody and antigen and related applications are protected by international patents.

Following a successful 300 patient clinical study demonstrating good specificity of 85% for discriminating prostate cancer patients from those with benign prostatic hyperplasia or no disease, the test is about to enter final stage validation trials.

Minomic is interested in partnerships or collaborations with larger pharmaceutical/diagnostic global partners able to produce, register and distribute the MiCheck™ test and collaborate through registration and commercialisation of future diagnostic imaging and therapeutic applications of the MIL-38 antibody for prostate cancer.

SOURCE Minomic International Limited