Vigilant Biosciences to Showcase OncAlert® Oral Cancer Product Line at International Dental Show 2017

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. and COLOGNE, Germany, March 20, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- Vigilant Biosciences, Inc., a leading innovator and developer of solutions that aid in the early detection and intervention of cancer, announced today that it will showcase its OncAlert^® Oral Cancer product line in Hall 5.1, Stand: D069 at the 37th International Dental Show (IDS), the world's leading tradeshow for the dental industry, being held March 21-25, 2017 in Cologne, Germany.

Vigilant Biosciences' OncAlert Oral Cancer product line includes the OncAlert Oral Cancer RAPID Test and the OncAlert Oral Cancer LAB Test. The tests are based on the first and only commercially available technology that accurately measures CD44, a tumor-initiating and stem cell-associated biomarker, and total protein levels – markers clinically validated to be associated specifically with oral cancer. These tests are optimized for easy use by collecting samples via an oral saline rinse and measured either via a point-of-care lateral flow assay or a laboratory kit. The test results, along with other clinical factors, can aid in the early diagnosis of oral cancer, potentially even before visual or physical indicators.

Vigilant Biosciences launched the OncAlert Oral Cancer product line in 2016 and is currently working with multiple distributors throughout Europe, Africa and Asia-Pacific to expand access to the test to dental and medical professionals around the world.

"Globally, we have seen a rise in oral and oropharyngeal cancer rates in recent years, and new tools to aid in the diagnosis of oral cancer earlier – such as the OncAlert Oral Cancer product line – are critical to reducing the high death rate associated with this disease," said Matthew H.J. Kim, Founder, Chairman, and CEO of Vigilant Biosciences. "We are committed to working with dental professionals around the world to incorporate this test seamlessly into their standard practice."

Vigilant Biosciences Products
Vigilant's products currently include the OncAlert Oral Cancer product line, which includes the OncAlert Oral Cancer RAPID Test and the OncAlert Oral Cancer LAB Test, both CE Marked and available in select markets outside the United States; and the OncAlert Labs OraMark™ Test, a laboratory developed test available only through OncAlert Labs, a CLIA certified laboratory. Vigilant's accurate, cost-effective tests can benefit every adult, with particular emphasis on high-risk populations (i.e., current and former tobacco users, those who consume excessive alcohol, and people with human papillomavirus).

About Oral Cancer
According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 529,000 new cases of oral (lip, oral cavity and pharynx) cancer each year worldwide, with mortality rates that reach up to 292,000 deaths each year. In the United States, more than 48,000 individuals will be diagnosed with oral cancer this year with more than 9,500 deaths resulting from this disease, killing roughly one person per hour, 24 hours per day. Historically the death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high due to late-stage diagnosis and intervention. Currently, the vast majority of patients are detected through a visual exam and/or are symptomatic, at which point they are likely late stage. As a result, oral cancer often goes undetected to the point of metastasizing.

For those who survive oral cancer diagnosed in the later stages, the treatment is painful, debilitating and often disfiguring. In addition, patients often struggle with eating and drinking, communicating and self-image. Early detection (stage I and II) of oral cancer yields survival rates of up to 90 percent.

About Vigilant Biosciences, Inc.
Vigilant Biosciences is a leading innovator and developer of solutions that aid clinicians in the early detection and intervention of cancer. The Vigilant Biosciences OncAlert^® Oral Cancer product line and OncAlert Labs product line include point-of-care and lab-based products and services that are simple, accurate and cost-effective and that can empower healthcare practitioners to improve potential outcomes through earlier intervention. The OncAlert Oral Cancer LAB Test and the OncAlert Oral Cancer RAPID Test are CE Marked and available in select international markets outside the U.S. The OraMark™ Test is a Laboratory Developed Test that is only available in the U.S. exclusively through OncAlert Labs, LLC, a CLIA-certified laboratory and a member of the Vigilant Biosciences family of companies. For more information, visit www.vigilantbiosciences.com and www.oncalertlabs.com.

SOURCE Vigilant Biosciences, Inc.

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