Proteomics International Laboratories (ASX:PIQ) has been granted a US patent for its proprietary blood test, PromarkerEso, designed for the early detection of esophageal adenocarcinoma, the most common form of esophageal cancer.
The patent (US Patent No. 17165803) protects the US until Feb. 28, 2036, complementing existing patents in Australia, China, Hong Kong, and Europe.
EAC, often caused by chronic acid reflux or gastroesophageal reflux disease, is frequently asymptomatic in early stages, leading to late diagnosis and a median survival of less than one year.
Current screening relies on invasive endoscopy, which is costly and uncomfortable, leaving up to 90% of cases undetected.
PromarkerEso uses a proprietary algorithm combining four serum glycoprotein biomarkers with patient factors such as age, sex, and BMI to generate a simple 'traffic light' risk score, enabling timely intervention.
Proteomics International Managing Director Dr Richard Lipscombe described the US patent as "a major milestone for commercialisation in the world's largest healthcare market," opening avenues for direct sales, partnerships, and licensing.