INOVIQ’s Licence Deal Raises Stakes in Race for Early Ovarian Cancer Screening
INOVIQ Limited has obtained exclusive worldwide rights to novel ovarian cancer biomarker IP from UniQuest, propelling its EXO-OC™ test closer to commercial launch. The test’s exceptional sensitivity and specificity position it as a potential breakthrough in early cancer detection.
- Exclusive worldwide licence secured from UniQuest for ovarian cancer biomarker IP
- EXO-OC™ test shows 100% sensitivity for early-stage ovarian cancer detection
- Plans to launch as a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) in the US by December 2026
- Licence includes upfront payment, milestone fees, and tiered royalties
- Commercial discussions underway with leading diagnostic companies
Exclusive Licence Acquisition
INOVIQ Limited (ASX, IIQ) has taken a significant step forward by securing an exclusive worldwide licence from UniQuest, the commercialisation arm of The University of Queensland. This licence grants INOVIQ rights to novel exosomal biomarkers specifically developed for the early detection of ovarian cancer. The move builds on a successful research collaboration and positions INOVIQ to lead the development and commercialisation of its EXO-OC™ test.
A Promising Diagnostic Tool
The EXO-OC™ test integrates UniQuest’s biomarker discoveries with INOVIQ’s proprietary EXO-NET® exosome isolation technology and an AI-enhanced algorithm. Clinical data from a 500-sample retrospective study demonstrated remarkable performance, with 100% sensitivity for early-stage ovarian cancer and over 99.6% specificity overall. These metrics suggest the test could fill a critical gap in early ovarian cancer screening, a field where current options are limited.
Commercialisation Strategy and Financial Terms
INOVIQ plans to initially commercialise EXO-OC™ as a Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) in the US, targeting a launch readiness by December 2026. The company is actively engaged in commercial discussions with leading clinical laboratories and diagnostic firms to accelerate this timeline. Financially, the licence agreement includes an upfront payment of A$25,000, contingent milestone payments up to A$360,000, and tiered royalties up to 2.5% on net sales, excluding the EXO-NET® component.
Broader Implications and Future Outlook
With ovarian cancer often diagnosed late due to subtle symptoms, an accurate early detection test could transform patient outcomes and healthcare approaches. INOVIQ’s CEO, Dr Leearne Hinch, highlighted the test’s potential to become a best-in-class diagnostic tool and create significant shareholder value. Meanwhile, UniQuest CEO Dr Dean Moss emphasized the societal impact of enabling earlier diagnosis and intervention through this innovation.
Next Steps in Clinical Validation
Ongoing clinical validation studies aim to confirm EXO-OC™’s performance across diverse patient groups, ovarian cancer subtypes, and demographics. The test’s compatibility with high-throughput automated platforms also supports scalability for widespread clinical use. Success in these areas will be critical to securing regulatory approvals beyond the US and expanding global market access.
Bottom Line?
INOVIQ’s exclusive licence acquisition marks a pivotal advance, but clinical validation and regulatory hurdles remain before EXO-OC™ can reshape ovarian cancer screening.
Questions in the middle?
- Will EXO-OC™ maintain its high sensitivity and specificity in larger, diverse clinical trials?
- How quickly can INOVIQ navigate US regulatory pathways to launch the LDT?
- What partnerships will INOVIQ secure to scale global commercialisation beyond the US?
