PAVmed has signed a non-binding letter of intent (LoI) with Duke University to license an oesophageal imaging technology from the North Carolina-based private research university.
Involving a newly formed subsidiary of PAVmed, the LoI centres on Duke University鈥檚 multi-modality probe that combines angle-resolved low coherence interferometry (a/LCI) with optical coherence tomography (OCT).
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This development proposes an alternative to traditional biopsies in detecting and treating advanced oesophageal precancer during upper endoscopy.
Dr Adam Wax, a biomedical engineering professor at Duke University, developed the a/LCI technology in collaboration with Dr Nicholas Shaheen, a professor at the University of North Carolina.
The technology leverages expertise in biomedical imaging aimed at early cancer detection.
Prior clinical research by Wax and Shaheen showed that a/LCI could identify precancerous changes in the oesophagus with 100% sensitivity and 88% overall accuracy.
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By GlobalDataA subsequent pilot study using the combined a/LCI and OCT technology demonstrated improved specificity in detecting dysplasia during endoscopic surveillance and before eradication therapy for advanced precancer. These findings are currently under peer review.
Wax said: 鈥淲e have been developing light scattering technologies for many years, showing their ability to detect cancer and precancer by measuring cell nuclei, but our recent work combining the approach with OCT imaging could unlock its use in the clinic.
“By providing a platform that fits in with endoscopy, the combination of light scattering and OCT is poised to enable new diagnostic capabilities for detecting and treating oesophageal precancer without a biopsy.”
The LoI outlines terms for PAVmed’s subsidiary to secure an exclusive worldwide licence for the intellectual property rights associated with the a/LCI + OCT technology. However, it remains non-binding until a definitive licence agreement is executed by all involved parties.
PAVmed is a commercial-stage medical technology company active in the medical device, diagnostics, and digital health sectors. Its subsidiary, Lucid Diagnostics, focuses on cancer prevention diagnostics and markets tools for early detection of oesophageal precancer, including the EsoGuard Esophageal DNA Test and the EsoCheck Esophageal Cell Collection Device.
PAVmed chairman and CEO Lishan Aklog said: 鈥淲idespread EsoGuard adoption is expected to significantly increase the number of patients diagnosed with oesophageal precancer.
鈥淭he exceptional performance of this technology to date promises to make the evaluation and treatment of these patients more streamlined, timely, and effective in preventing progression to cancer. Its significant clinical and commercial potential should attract strong interest from strategics active in the endoscopic ablation space.鈥�
