Sienna Cancer Diagnostics (ASX:SDX), a medical technology company developing and commercialising cancer-related tests, has been granted its first US patent covering its in-vitro diagnostic (IVD) test for hTERT.
The company said its test uses an antibody targeted against the hTERT protein, a biomarker present in most cancer cells.
"These cells can appear normal in routine cytological assessment, the inclusion of Sienna’s test can detect the presence of hTERT assisting in the early detection of bladder cancer," said the company.
The test is sold and supported in the US by Sienna's exclusive distribution partner, StatLab Medical Products.
The company said the new patent includes claims covering the performance of the test with a wide range of antibodies and antibody-derived detection agents. It patent remains valid until 2035.
“We are very pleased to have been granted this patent in the US, which is the largest market for IVD tests in the world. Sienna’s hTERT test is our first commercial product and provides a solid foundation for the development of the company’s pipeline of cancer diagnostic tests,” said Sienna CEO, Matthew Hoskin.