The launch represents the commercialisation of a blood-based test for the detection of cancer in companion animals. The test detects the presence of Recaf, a universal marker for malignant cell growth in humans and animals.
The new testing service will be offered to veterinarians and animal clinical laboratories through BioCurex’s new wholly owned subsidiary OncoPet Diagnostics (OncoPet). OncoPet will assume responsibility for marketing and commercialisation of the testing service on a global basis, both directly and through local and international distributorships.
Depending on their location, veterinarians will be requested to send samples either directly to the OncoPet testing facility or to regional collection centers.
Denis Burger, executive chairman of BioCurex, said: “Initially, OncoPet Diagnostics will provide testing services in a similar manner to traditional clinical laboratories. One notable distinction is that we will produce all the necessary reagents for the test and the testing service will be performed in-house at our BioCurex facilities. This ensures a rapid path to commercialization, is more profitable than selling test kits and requires no regulatory approvals.”
In order to commercialize the testing service, OncoPet Diagnostics will pre-sell vouchers to distributors, each valid for one test. The distributor then will sell the vouchers to the veterinarians who will send the voucher with the sample to our testing facility. OncoPet Diagnostics has developed a software system to manage the ordering, testing and reporting process. The system can be easily replicated, which allows for future expansion with minimal expense, as well as facilitate remote monitoring and quality control.
OncoPet is currently engaged in discussions with distributors in North America and Europe. In addition, the OncoPet Recaf test will be offered in China, where according to recent reports, the pet market is expanding. This service will be offered by BioCurex’s wholly owned subsidiary, BioCurex China in Shanghai.
The company expects to expand this testing service to other companion animals, notably cats, in the second half of 2010.