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

Mainz Biomed N.V. (NASDAQ: MYNZ), a molecular genetics diagnostic company, has announced a collaboration with Liquid Biosciences to develop PancAlert, a screening test for early pancreatic cancer detection. This partnership aims to integrate pancreatic cancer screening capabilities into Mainz Biomed's existing colorectal cancer test, ColoAlert®.

The collaboration leverages Liquid Biosciences' EMERGE AI analysis technology platform to evaluate biomarkers from Mainz's research program. Initial results from the feasibility analysis have been promising, encouraging both companies to proceed with further development.

PancAlert is being designed to combine genetic and microbiome biomarkers for pancreatic cancer detection. This approach is based on research indicating the significant role of the gut microbiome in tumor development and progression. By analyzing both DNA and microbiome markers, Mainz Biomed hopes to achieve earlier and more accurate pancreatic cancer detection.

The urgency of this development is underscored by the rising incidence of pancreatic cancer. Currently the third-leading cause of cancer deaths, pancreatic cancer is expected to surpass colorectal cancer to become the second-leading cause by 2030. This year alone, approximately 66,440 Americans are projected to be diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, with an estimated 51,750 expected to succumb to the disease.

Pancreatic cancer's lethality is largely due to late-stage diagnosis and limited treatment options. The five-year survival rate stands at a mere 13%, highlighting the critical need for early detection methods. Most diagnoses occur at advanced stages when the cancer has already metastasized, particularly in cases of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), one of the most aggressive forms.

Guido Baechler, Chief Executive Officer of Mainz Biomed, expressed enthusiasm about the collaboration, stating, "We are excited by the opportunity to collaborate with Liquid Biosciences on PancAlert, which is being developed for early-stage disease detection with the goal of being a first-in-class screening test for this deadly form of cancer."

The second phase of the collaboration will expand biomarker evaluation to include microbiome biomarkers assessed by Mainz in 2023, along with an enhanced algorithm. The companies aim to complete this analysis by the fourth quarter of 2024.

This partnership reflects the growing focus on early cancer detection within the medical research community. The global pancreatic cancer market is projected to reach $7.4 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate of 13.7% from 2023 to 2032.

Mainz Biomed's collaboration with Liquid Biosciences represents a significant step towards improving pancreatic cancer outcomes through early detection. By combining advanced biomarker analysis with AI technology, this initiative has the potential to transform pancreatic cancer screening and contribute to improved survival rates for this deadly disease.