Mainz Biomed and Liquid Biosciences Collaborate on Early Detection Tool for Pancreatic Cancer

Mainz Biomed N.V. (NASDAQ: MYNZ), a molecular genetics diagnostic company specializing in the early detection of cancer, has entered into a collaboration with Liquid Biosciences, an AI-focused bio-analytics company. The partnership aims to potentially include pancreatic cancer detection in Mainz Biomed's colorectal cancer screening test, ColoAlert®. Liquid Biosciences will utilize its EMERGE AI analysis technology platform to aid in this endeavor.

Mainz Biomed is currently developing PancAlert, a screening test that integrates genetic and microbiome biomarkers to identify pancreatic cancer. The human microbiome, particularly the gut bacteria, plays a crucial role in tumor development and progression. By combining DNA and microbiome biomarkers, Mainz Biomed aims to facilitate the early detection of pancreatic cancer.

Initial results from the collaboration have been promising. The companies evaluated biomarkers from Mainz’s research program, which is co-funded by the German government, using a single algorithm developed by Liquid Biosciences with its EMERGE platform. These results have provided confidence that PancAlert could be integrated into ColoAlert in the future. ColoAlert is designed to detect both bleeding and non-bleeding tumors through tumor DNA analysis, offering a more effective early detection method compared to fecal occult blood tests.

The next phase of the collaboration will expand the biomarker evaluation to include microbiome biomarkers reviewed by Mainz Biomed in 2023. The goal is to complete this phase by the fourth quarter of 2024. According to Guido Baechler, CEO of Mainz Biomed, expanding their partnership with Liquid Biosciences will leverage AI to tackle the critical issue of early-stage pancreatic cancer detection.

Pancreatic cancer is notably aggressive and difficult to treat, with one of the highest mortality rates among major cancers. It is currently the third-leading cause of cancer deaths and is expected to become the second-leading cause by 2030, surpassing colorectal cancer. In 2023 alone, approximately 66,440 Americans are expected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, and around 51,750 are anticipated to die from the disease. The five-year survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains a stark 13%, primarily because most diagnoses occur at a late stage when the cancer has already metastasized.

The increasing incidence and limited treatment options for pancreatic cancer have driven significant medical research towards early detection and improved treatment methods. The global pancreatic cancer market is projected to reach $7.4 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 13.7% from 2023 to 2032.

Mainz Biomed's collaboration with Liquid Biosciences represents a significant step towards utilizing next-generation diagnostics technology to address the challenges posed by deadly cancers. By combining biomarkers, the companies aim to demonstrate a more effective way to detect cancers that often go unnoticed and untreated until it is too late.

Featured photo by National Cancer Institute on Unsplash.

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