Phenomenome Discoveries Announces the Successful Validation of OvAware™, a simple blood test for the Early Detection of Ovarian Cancer

Early detection seen as key to reducing mortality

SASKATOON, May 12, 2016 /PRNewswire/ - Using its proprietary metabolomics technology, Phenomenome Discoveries Inc. had previously discovered that specific metabolic abnormalities were present in the blood of women suffering from ovarian cancer.  The company has subsequently developed a simple test (OvAware™) that can be performed on a single drop of blood.  The performance of the test has now been verified in two large studies – one in Japan (99 controls and 112 ovarian cancer patients) led by Dr. Fumio Nomura, MD, Chiba, Japan and one in Canada (1041 controls and 325 ovarian cancer patients) led by Dr. Walter Gotlieb, MD, PhD, Montreal, Canada.  In both studies, the blood test was able to detect ovarian cancer with 97% accuracy.  The results of these studies will be presented by Dr. Dayan Goodenowe, Founder, President and CEO, Phenomenome Discoveries at the Cancer Diagnostics Conference and Expo in Rome, Italy on June 13^th, 2016.

"Ovarian cancer is the most lethal among the pelvic cancers. The majority of the patients are diagnosed at an advanced stage with metastatic spread beyond the pelvis. This is mainly due to a lack of effective ways for surveillance and early diagnosis of this malignancy,"

• Dr. Fumio Nomura, Professor and Director, Department of Molecular Diagnosis and Division of Laboratory Medicine, Clinical Genetics and Proteomics Organization: Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba University and Chiba University Hospital, Chiba, Japan

"Despite major progress in cytotoxic treatments, outcome of high grade serous ovarian cancer remains poor, mainly due to the absence of early detection with our present tools."

• Dr. Walter Gotlieb, MD, PhD, Director, Gynecologic Oncology and Colposcopy at Sir Mortimer B. Davis, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Canada

The early detection of ovarian cancer may be much closer to reality today.  Phenomenome Discoveries' cancer diagnostics, which also includes Cologic® for colon cancer and PanaSee™ for pancreatic cancer, are based upon its unique prodrome detection technology, which identifies persons with specific metabolic abnormalities that precede the formation of specific cancers.  This technology differs from traditional pathology-based cancer detection technologies in that persons who do not have these metabolic abnormalities are protected from getting the specific cancer identified by the test whereas persons exhibiting the metabolic abnormality have an elevated risk of the cancer.  This technology is particularly valuable for the management of aggressive cancers, like ovarian cancer, which are difficult to detect at an early stage and which prophylactic prevention options are available. 

"It is well recognized that physical bimanual examination, gynecological ultrasound imaging and the available tumor markers are not sensitive enough for early detection of ovarian cancers. Therefore, we desperately need sensitive and practical serum marker that can designate the subjects having a high risk for ovarian cancer." Dr. Nomura

"Being able to detect ovarian cancer early or being able to accurately identify high risk subjects requiring increased monitoring and prevention by risk reducing surgery is critical in order to reduce mortality from this 'silent killer'.  A simple blood test would go a long way to achieve this." Dr. Gotlieb

According to the American Cancer Society, "when ovarian cancer is found early at a localized stage, about 94% of patients live longer than 5 years after diagnosis." Phenomenome Discoveries expects to apply to Health Canada for approval of the test later this year, which could make it available in 2017. 

The results of the studies and more information about the science behind the test can be found at the company's website: www.phenomenome.com

Phenomenome Discoveries is undergoing restructuring via receivership proceedings which will ultimately result in a transfer of ownership of its proprietary technologies. 

SOURCE Phenomenome Discoveries Inc.