A new immunoassay biomarker diagnostic tool that is used in the detection of cancers caused by the human papilloma virus (HPV) has attracted investment of over €2 million. The company which produces it is a biotech innovation firm from Germany called Abviris Deustchland. The company says this is the first available blood - based test shown to be specific enough to aid in diagnosis of HPV. Further, the rapid flow test delivers its results within 20 minutes.

The early investment in the product is designed to speed up the expansion of its development and further clinical studies to demonstrate its efficacy as an aid in the diagnosis of a range of different HPV clinical needs and applications. Further point-of-care applications are being explored regarding the immunoassay by the company also. Dr. Roman Niedbal, CEO, said: “Abviris is on the cusp of major expansion, with this pivotal study drawing immediate attention from potential partners and clinicians keen to collaborate.”

HPV-cancers are rising in incidence, such as head and neck cancers, which have low survival rates due to a lack of early detection. Findings from a study of the immunoassay published in the EbioMedicine journal also suggest that the biomarker would be able to differentiate between non-cancerous HPV infection and HPV-induced cancer. This will act as the focus of future clinical trials, the first of which could begin as early as summer 2021. Another multi-centre study will also be examining the potential ability of the test to indicate if HPV is the cause of a tumour, without the need for an invasive procedure such as a biopsy.