German SME with high expertise in epigenetic-marker based in vitro diagnostic (IVD) test development is looking for technology and commercialization partners for proprietary head-and-neck cancer diagnostics

Head-and-neck cancer including lips, oral cavity, larynx, oropharynx (tonsils, soft palate, base of the tongue), nasopharynx, hypopharynx culminates globally in 830.000 cases and 430.000 deaths per year. Failure in precision detection of head and neck tumors (HNC) and unclear symptoms lead to a very long and unsuccessful search of courses for illness. Treatment pathways of HPV+ and HPV- tumors have to be differentiated and post-surgical care has to be improved. Head and neck tumors are mostly detected late: more than 50% of the cases are diagnosed in an advanced stage -> high mortality (Globally 550.000 new carcinoma, more than 300.000 deaths p.a.). In addition to risk factors tobacco and alcohol, infections with HPV are leading to a strong increase in HPV-associated oropharynx tumors. Therapeutic concepts have not undergone major changes within the last 20 years, but several innovative candidates are in advanced pharmaceutical development. More than 50% of patients are at risk of tumor relapse within two years after surgery. Hallmarks of head-and-neck cancer cases: • main causes: alcohol and tobacco abuse • new main cause for oropharyngeal cancer: HPV infection, mainly HPV16 • most cancers are detected late → high mortality • molecular markers may allow early detection Current diagnostics for head-and-neck cancer comprises • diagnostic imaging • endoscopy screening • bioscopy screening • dental diagnostics • other diagnostics Trends to molecular diagnostics are emerging due to options for companion Diagnostics and post-surgical surveillance, paving the way into the screening. The young German biotech company has validated a highly precise set of epigenetic markers for detection of head-and-neck cancer in tissue and is currently setting up the corresponding assay for saliva-based detection. The company is looking for exclusive diagnostic providers in the cancer area especially in the US and Europe with corresponding technical background and capabilities for market promotion. Seeking medical partners for license and technical cooperation agreements. Alternatively with interest in joint technology development partnerships.