Key Takeaways:

  • HANSE trial in Germany picks BioMark’s liquid biopsy tech.
  • With 10,000 participants it’s the biggest German cancer screening yet.
  • Represents major market validation for BioMark’s platform.
  • Study aims to set new standards for early lung cancer detection.
  • Blood test could cut unnecessary biopsies and surgeries.

HANSE, a landmark screening trial in Germany will use liquid biopsy technologies developed by Canadian biotech BioMark. Collaborators on the trial include Jens Vogel-Claussen from Medizinische Hochschule Hannover, Martin Reck at LungenClinic Grosshansdorf, and Sabine Bohnet at Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein.

Germany’s Biggest Cancer Screening Study

HANSE is set to be Germany’s largest and most comprehensive screening study enrolling 10,000 participants from both general and high-risk patient populations.

The massive cohort will provide market validation for BioMark’s platform. The company has been collaborating with the German clinical team to prepare in the leadup to the trial starting this October.

BioMark will support HANSE from their advanced Quebec City lab, currently pursuing accreditation to meet full certification requirements for the trial.

The trial, which is supported by the international EUREKA Network Program, is intended to assess early detection methods across a range of population groups. The aim is to improve lung cancer screening protocols by establishing new gold standards in the clinic.

“A transformative milestone for BioMark”

BioMark’s CEO and President, Rashid Ahmed Bux said the collaboration represents “a transformative milestone for BioMark.”

He continued: "Our recent successful capital raise has allowed us to scale our laboratory operations to effectively manage this prestigious trial. We are honored to partner with Dr. Vogel-Claussen and his exceptional team. Their scientific rigor validates our liquid biopsy technology on the international stage and establishes a strong pathway to European market commercialisation."

Supporting Future Screening Programmes

Jens Vogel-Claussen commented, "With the integration of blood-based biomarkers in the HANSE-Study, we aim to detect early lung cancer in the asymptomatic population aged 55-79 years, which is currently not eligible for lung cancer screening with low-dose CT according to current risk-assessment criteria.”

“Furthermore, we aim to reduce the number of benign biopsies and surgical resections of positive low-dose CT cases. If successful, the blood test from BioMark Diagnostics could significantly enhance the performance of future lung cancer screening programs."