Proteomics International Laboratories’ 100 per cent-owned subsidiary OxiDx has been granted a breakthrough patent in Japan for its finger prick technology that determines oxidative stress protein biomarkers implicated in chronic diseases.
The patent, which is valid to 2039, paves the way for the company to commercialise its novel technology in high-performance athletes, the horse-racing industry and in clinical trials.
Proteomics says it is the first of what will be a family of patents it will apply for in all major jurisdictions. Once granted, the patents will extend the global reach and lifespan of its innovative technology.
OxiDx has utilised next-generation diagnostics by measuring subtle changes in protein structures, known as post-translational modifications, to quantify oxidative stress – a direct indicator of a person’s or animal’s health and fitness.
Oxidative stress is well-documented as being a direct indicator in more than 70 chronic health conditions. The finger-prick samples can be collected at home, in the clinic or in the field to provide a high-specificity measure of oxidative stress.
It has broad applications within many markets, which can include its use as an athletic performance monitoring tool in professional sports and horse racing, in addition to clinical settings to enable precision dosing.
Securing this intellectual property (IP) protection in a major jurisdiction like Japan signifies the recognition of the uniqueness of the OxiDx IP and bodes well for the OxiDx’ pending patent applications for this technology in other jurisdictions. Proteomics International Laboratories managing director Dr Richard Lipscombe
OxiDx executive chairman Ian Brown said the company was now embarking on field trials to further demonstrate the technology’s applicability. He said the company was “revolutionising” the way oxidative stress is monitored and managed.
Proteomics has several other projects in its biotech pipeline, some of which are realising commercial potential with cash receipts from clients increasing by 5.8 per cent to $198,000 in the June quarter and with its first sales in the United States scheduled for December. The company’s bottom line will also soon be bolstered with a forecast research-and-development tax incentive rebate of about $1.8 million in the first half of next year.
In May, management signed an exclusive licence deal with Sonic Healthcare USA for the rollout of its PromarkerD predictive blood test for diabetic kidney disease, which could help an estimated 32 million adults in the US who live with diabetes. Proteomics is now keen to build on the momentum from securing its licence in the US by targeting other gateway markets where diabetes is prevalent, including Europe, Japan, Hong Kong and the Middle East. The company is also waiting on approval from Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Association.
And if that is not enough for even the most seasoned clinicians to get their lab coats flapping, Proteomics is developing tests for endometriosis, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, oesophageal cancer and diabetic retinopathy.
Proteomics and OxiDx have applied a bunsen burner to their bold commercialisation plans through the grant of the Japanese patent, heralding what could well be a new era of highly-beneficial precision diagnostics for both humans and animals.
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