Urteste S.A., a biotechnology company specializing in early cancer detection via urine samples, is expanding its diagnostic project pipeline. Known for its PANURI test for pancreatic cancer, Urteste's technology measures enzyme activity in urine using proprietary synthetic peptides, enabling early detection with high sensitivity and specificity.
Advancing Breast Cancer Diagnostics with NASTRO
Urteste is initiating the development of NASTRO, a breast cancer diagnostic test, supported by an approximately $3 million non-refundable grant from the Polish Agency for Enterprise Development. This funding will facilitate clinical trials, bringing the project closer to commercialization. According to the "Global Cancer Statistics 2022" report, breast cancer is a significant global health concern, with over 2.3 million new cases and nearly 0.7 million deaths reported in 2022.
Grzegorz Stefański, CEO and co-founder of Urteste S.A., stated, "The grant awarded will enable us to develop the NASTRO project independently... We see great potential in the NASTRO project... There is a lack of a non-invasive, and yet accurate, method of early diagnosis. We plan to conduct a relatively short, uncomplicated, and relatively inexpensive clinical trial in Europe."
PANURI Test Shows Promising Results
A proof-of-concept study involving 322 participants demonstrated the high sensitivity (95.6%) and specificity (95.5%) of the PANURI test for pancreatic cancer. Urteste is currently engaged in the FDA Q-Submission program and is seeking a CRO to support a clinical trial in the US. "We continue to focus most of our attention on the PANURI project, a test for pancreatic cancer," added Stefański.
Expanding the MULTI-CANCER Project
Urteste's MULTI-CANCER project includes a diverse portfolio of 12 prototype diagnostic tests for cancers including pancreatic, brain, breast, stomach, bile ducts, ovary, endometrial, kidney, colorectal, lung, liver, and prostate cancers. These cancers collectively account for nearly 70% of all cancer deaths worldwide. The company holds Polish patents and international patent applications for its technology, seeking patent protection in countries generating approximately 90% of global GDP.
Urteste's technology offers a non-invasive, low-cost method with results available in up to 2 hours, minimizing human error through automation. The company's focus remains on early cancer detection to improve patient outcomes.
