Clinical Genomics has further expanded its operations in Asia Pacific, announcing a new distributor for its colorectal cancer screening products in the Philippines and signing an exclusive distribution deal in New Zealand.
In the Philippines, Manila-based diagnostics and pathology company Hi Precision will distribute the Clinical Genomics’ faecal immunochemical test (FIT). The test, marketed as ‘InSure FIT’, will replace the older ‘guaiac’ technology which is being phased out of many colorectal screening programs around the world.
“The Philippines has a population of nearly 100 million people and colorectal cancer is their fourth highest cause of cancer-related death. So there is a huge opportunity in that market given the effectiveness of our technology,” said Warren Bingham, Clinical Genomics Vice-President Asia Pacific.
Approved by the US FDA, ‘InSure FIT’ will pioneer faecal immunochemical testing in the Philippines.
Clinical Genomics has also renewed an exclusive distribution deal with Green Cross Health Limited, a leading provider of primary health care services to communities throughout New Zealand.
The company represents around 300 community pharmacies under the Life Pharmacy and Unichem brands as well as over 40 Medical Centres and provides community nursing services and a home healthcare service.
“Clinical Genomics are excited to be working with a leading provider of primary care to deliver FIT technology branded as ‘Bowelscreen Aotearoa’, in a country where there are almost 3,000 people diagnosed each year with bowel cancer and approximately 1,200 die as a result of this disease” said Bingham.
In late 2014 Clinical Genomics announced that diagnostics company BioChain Group had become the exclusive distributor for the ‘InSure FIT’ faecal immunochemical technology in China. “We are anticipating approval in the next few months to sell in China by the CFDA (Chinese Food and Drug Administration),” said Bingham.
“These deals represent important milestones as part of the company’s expansion in the Asia Pacific region. Our test has been clinically proven via decades of research and its adoption has demonstrated its ease-of-use for patients. With colorectal cancer prevention emerging as a major priority for many Asian countries, we are uniquely placed as the market for our affordable, easy to use and heat-stable products expands,” said Bingham.