Nonacus, a pioneering early cancer testing company, has announced the launch of two West Midlands-based clinical trials to evaluate a new at-home test designed to monitor for the recurrence of bladder cancer. Developed in collaboration with researchers at the University of Birmingham’s Bladder Cancer Research Centre, a founding member of Birmingham Health Partners (BHP), the test represents a significant step forward in non-invasive cancer diagnostics.
The Galeas Bladder test uses Nonacus’ highly sensitive liquid biopsy technology, combined with a panel of biomarkers created by University of Birmingham researchers. It enables patients to provide a simple urine sample at home, which can then be analysed to detect signs of bladder cancer. The innovation was conceived and developed while Nonacus was based at the University’s BioHub Birmingham, an incubator supporting life sciences spinouts and start-ups. A previous study funded by Cancer Research UK has already shown the test’s accuracy and consistency in identifying the disease from urine, laying the groundwork for the new trials.
Professor Rik Bryan, Director of the Bladder Cancer Research Centre, emphasised the importance of this milestone. He said: “These trials are the culmination of eight years of collaborative research and development between the University of Birmingham and Nonacus, which has the potential to help the millions of patients at higher risk of bladder cancer across our country and worldwide.”
Bladder cancer is a disease with a high risk of recurrence and often poor outcomes when diagnosed late. Despite this, it has historically been underfunded and neglected in terms of new research. The new Nonacus test has been welcomed by patient advocates for its potential to transform how the disease is detected and monitored. Jeannie Rigby, CEO of Action Bladder Cancer UK, said: “Bladder cancer can often be diagnosed late and has a high level of recurrence – which can lead to poor outcomes for patients – and bladder cancer has been neglected in terms of new research in the past. Action Bladder Cancer UK, bladder cancer patients and their families, welcome this exciting development in improving testing for bladder cancer.”
The trials also highlight the role of commercial partnerships in bringing research discoveries from the laboratory into healthcare settings. Tony Hickson, Chief Business Officer at Cancer Research UK, reflected on this process: “As funders of much of the world-class, cutting-edge cancer research happening in the UK, we offer unique opportunities to commercial partners looking for early involvement in new discoveries. Having Nonacus on board to help transform promising findings in the lab into a new non-invasive test to diagnosis bladder cancer is a testament to how commercial collaborations have the potential to transform the lives of patients. We are looking forward to seeing the next steps as the test is developed and rolled out to the UK and beyond.”
Political leaders have also praised the initiative for its potential impact on both patient care and the regional economy. Richard Parker, Mayor of the West Midlands, commented: “Health-tech is about better care for patients, shorter waiting times and more good jobs here in the West Midlands. Through my Growth Plan we are making this one of the best places in the country to develop and roll out new treatments – from expanding our innovation clusters to supporting local medtech businesses to grow and export. The technology I’ve seen today is proof that when we back science, patients and the economy both win.”
At a national level, the initiative has been recognised as part of the UK’s wider life sciences strategy. Peter Kyle, Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology, added: “In a region renowned for engineering, with Richard Parker as Mayor, the West Midlands is setting the pace for medical technology. Nonacus’ innovative approach to testing for bladder cancer will help save patients time and the NHS money. Life sciences is a growth sector for the West Midlands and the UK as a whole combining the power of our universities, the creativity of our businesses and the strength of our NHS.”
As the trials move forward, the Galeas Bladder test is set to demonstrate how the combination of academic expertise, patient advocacy, commercial innovation, and political support can deliver tangible benefits for healthcare. With the potential to detect recurrence earlier, improve patient outcomes, and reduce pressures on the NHS, the West Midlands is positioning itself as a hub for health technology that delivers both clinical and economic value.
Read the original article: https://www.birminghamhealthpartners.co.uk/new-trail-to-test-novel-diagnostic-for-bladder-cancer-recurrence/
