Cizzle Biotechnology (CIZ) , a UK- based diagnostics developer, has announced it will be expanding its current research programme with the University of York to develop its CIZ1B biomarker technology for early stage cancer diagnosis, and other potential applications in cancer therapy.
This move comes after making progress in isolating additional new and specific monoclonal antibodies to the CIZ1B biomarker, which is highly associated with early-stage lung cancer.
Further progress came from incorporating these into a new high-throughput clinical diagnostic immunoassay platform, which will now be used as the basis for a commercial product.
The recent developments meet key milestones to begin commercial clinical trials. Commencing clinical trials should lead to an accredited Laboratory Developed (LDT) test for launch initially in the USA - a key market to target given the prevalence of lung cancer in this region.
Cizzle Biotech is now engaged in clinical trials design to support the validation and accreditation of the CIZ1B test prior to commercial launch. All IP rights arising from the work are to be owned by Cizzle Biotechnology.
Commenting, Allan Syms, Executive Chairman of Cizzle Biotechnology, said: "The University of York has been the home of the Company's research and development from its inception. Under the expert and insightful leadership of Professor Coverley, the laboratory team have made excellent progress in developing our test for the CIZ1B Biomarker to be used for detecting lung cancer at its earliest stage. This provides a much-needed solution to early diagnosis, which can save lives.”
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A key milestone for Cizzle as it comes one step closer to commercialising its early detection lung cancer test, aligning with a significant unmet medical need and addressing the second most common cancer worldwide.
Currently, the rate of false positives in CT scanning used to diagnose lung cancer hovers around 90%, with some variation based on referral paths. This outcome triggers a chain of avoidable and expensive investigations - commonly a biopsy - which is invasive and can lead to further complications after the procedure.
Cizzle’s Biotech’s test offers multiple benefits compared to more conventional methods of testing, including less radiation as there is less need to repeat CT scans, relatively non-invasive, while also not draining healthcare resources with patients not being required to attend specialist scanning units within hospitals.
Notably, Cizzle Biotechnology's strong connection with the University of York has been a lasting asset since the company originated from the University back in 2006, with the expansion of the agreement further demonstrating the success of their close collaboration.
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