bioMérieux and ProteoSys inked a deal for the use of the latter’s Annexin 3 biomarker in a urine-based, confirmatory diagnostic for prostate cancer. bioMérieux is also considering the use of Annexin prognostic applications.
After a research phase, the test will be developed on the bioMérieux’ Vidas® platform. This Annexin 3-based diagnostic along with the standard screening methods could potentially reduce the number of biopsies conducted by up to 75%, according to bioMérieux.
Studies have shown that quantification of Annexin 3, also known as ANXA 3, in urine has high specificity for prostate cancer, the companies report. Today, when the levels of PSA are in the uninformative grey zone, a biopsy is used to provide definitive diagnosis. The ANXA 3 test would be used to provide better identification of patients with a high probability of prostate cancer, thereby reducing the number of unnecessary biopsies.