Matritech’s NMP179 for Detection of Cervical Cancer
May 10, 2004 by admin · Leave a Comment
On May 10, 2004 Matritech announced the beginning of clinical testing of 10,000 samples by Sysmex Corporation using NMP179 for the detection of women at risk of or with cervical cancer. The company reported that this novel strategy uses both Sysmex’s flow cytometry technology and Matritech’s NMP179 protein biomarker to perform rapid, cell-by-cell analysis for cervical cancer. According to Matritech, Sysmex hopes to market automated cervical cancer testing by 2006.
Matritech’s Nuclear Matrix Protein (NMP) technology basically refers to a series of quantitative enzyme immunoassays that detect proteins present in the nucleus of malignant or pre-malignant cells. NMP technology (NMP22) has already been successfully applied to bladder cancer to identify bladder cancer patients who are at risk for rapid recurrence or occult disease.
The screening of women for cervical cancer has dramatically reduced the burden of illness associated with this disease. Matritech estimates that approximately 150 million cervical cell samples are tested and analysed annually worldwide. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2004, 10,520 cases of cervical cancer will be diagnosed in the United States – a decline of over 70% since 1955. However, current screening tests for cervical cancer do rely on a somewhat subjective review by a cytotechnologist of a fraction of cells collected. Matritech contends that these factors necessitate the development of an automated system for detecting disease.
Due to the high volumes associated with cervical screening programs in most health services organizations, emerging screening and diagnostic technologies, if proven effective, have the potential to become High Impact. Biohorizon is currently monitoring 5 emerging diagnostic tests for this disease indication. Given the limited data Matritech has released to date, it is simply too early to determine how and where NMP179 will fit in cervical screening programs if approved. Biohorizon currently recommends no preliminary assessment activities for this emerging diagnostic test.
Technology Details
Target Disease / Indication: Cervical Cancer
Technology Classification: Diagnostic Test
Body System: Genitourinary System
Program Area: Gynecology
Regulatory Status: Investigational
BioHorizon Impact Score: 61/100 – Moderate