MEDIA RELEASE
INEX TO LAUNCH INNOVATIVE
OVARIAN CANCER DETECTION KIT AT MEDICA
Colorimetric kit utilises cyst sample to yield positive/negative results in 5 minutes
NOVEMBER 12, 2013: INEX Innovations Exchange Pte. Ltd. (INEX), a leading Singapore-based women’s
health diagnostics company today announced that it will be launching OvaCisTM, a new and innovative
Ovarian Cancer detection kit at MEDICA. MEDICA is the world’s largest medical trade fair, held in
Dusseldorf, Germany, with over 130,000 visitors from over 120 countries attending annually.
OvaCisTM is an innovative colorimetric kit that accurately discriminates benign from malignant epithelial
ovarian cysts with 98% accuracy, in 5 minutes.
Based on a patented Point-Of-Care-Technology (“POCT”) platform, OvaCisTM works by identifying a
protein biomarker found in ovarian cysts. A cyst fluid sample is taken from a patient during laparoscopic
surgery and applied to the kit. The reagents combine to yield a colorimetric reaction which displays if
the cancer is present (positive) or not (negative).
It is anticipated that the kit will revolutionize the practice of intraoperative surgical procedures. To date,
no such kit exists, and it is envisaged that this disposable device will be readily adopted for routine
ovarian cyst surgery in the near future. OvaCisTM has been developed by researchers at the National
University of Singapore, in collaboration with INEX Innovations Exchange.
”This is the first study whereby an intra-operative tumour marker has been utilised in the differentiation
between benign and malignant ovarian lesions. Its accuracy suggests that it could be utilised as a
replacement or an adjunct to frozen section, particularly in situations where histopathological expertise
is scarce,” said Dr Sidney Yee, Ph.D., Director of INEX.
INEX Innovations Exchange Pte Ltd. 71 Ayer Rajah Crescent, 01-22. Singapore. www.inex.sg
”Frozen section, as the current mainstay of intra-operative diagnosis of Epithelial Ovarian Cancer, is
limited in achieving accurate diagnosis. It is also time-consuming and not universally available especially
in developing countries. With the use of OvaCisTM, surgeons will now have an aid in the operating room
to assist them in their patient management care,” she continued.
"The OvaCisTM launch at MEDICA signals our progress in delivering such an important test in the global
medical technology market. The international attendance at MEDICA and high calibre decision-makers
make it a natural choice for us, being as it is a great platform to share product innovations and
technologies within a commercially enabled environment,” said Mr Wong Chiu Yin, Chief Financial
Officer of INEX.
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About INEX Innovations Exchange
Established in 2006, Innovations Exchange Pte. Ltd. (INEX) is a pioneering molecular diagnostics
company focused on delivering innovative solutions for the advancement of women’s, maternal and
fetal health. A joint initiative by the National University of Singapore (“NUS”) and its researchers, INEX
collaborates with prominent clinicians, clinician-scientists and academic institutions to leverage
innovative technologies and revolutionise medicine for women’s healthcare. www.inex.sg.
About OvaCisTM
OvaCisTM is an innovative colorimetric kit that accurately discriminates benign from malignant epithelial
ovarian cysts with 98% accuracy, in 5 minutes. More than 90% of all ovarian malignancies are of
epithelial origin, called epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). Ovarian cysts are commonly present in most
EOCs. Each year a large number of women go for ovarian cystectomy to remove ovarian cysts that are
thought to be benign. Studies show that ovarian malignancy is unexpectedly encountered in 1 to 14% of
cases undergoing laparoscopic cystectomy. Intra-operative detection of malignancy for women going for
ovarian cystectomy is critical for triage of patients for the most suitable surgical procedures, particularly
important for young patients who wish to preserve fertility, and prevent unnecessary multiple surgeries.
Fore more information, please contact:
Vinita Choolani
Marketing Director
Vinita.c@inex.sg
INEX Innovations Exchange Pte Ltd.
Dr Sidney Yee
Director
sidney.yee@inex.sg
INEX Innovations Exchange Pte Ltd.
INEX Innovations Exchange Pte Ltd. 71 Ayer Rajah Crescent, 01-22. Singapore. www.inex.sg