Oxford BioDynamics has achieved a significant milestone with the publication of data demonstrating the successful use of its EpiSwitch blood-based biomarkers in Pfizer's JAVELIN Bladder 100 trial. The study, published in the journal Cancers, evaluated 496 bladder cancer patients and showed that EpiSwitch biomarkers strongly correlate with immune profiles of patient tumors.
Clinical Validation in Bladder Cancer
The JAVELIN Bladder 100 trial demonstrated a significant survival benefit with avelumab maintenance plus best supportive care versus best supportive care alone. Within this framework, EpiSwitch biomarkers were evaluated for their association with tumor profiles and immunophenotype, specifically related to high and low immunogenic response.
The research collaboration involved multiple prestigious institutions including St. Bartholomew's Hospital in London, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre in Toronto, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute at Harvard Medical School, and the Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center in Seattle, working alongside Pfizer's Computational Biology, Translational Pathology and Precision Medicine Product teams.
Liquid Biopsy Technology Advantages
The study confirmed that EpiSwitch blood testing can effectively determine whether a tumor has high or low immune activity, representing a crucial factor in making informed cancer treatment decisions. This liquid biopsy approach provides accurate insights into the body's immune response to cancer in a less invasive manner than traditional tissue biopsies.
"The results from the published Pfizer study are a powerful endorsement for our blood-based biomarker EpiSwitch technology," said Dr. Alexandre Akoulitchev, Chief Scientific Officer of Oxford BioDynamics. "Our systemic epigenetic readouts showed consistent insights into JAVELIN Bladder 100 patient profiles, normally obtained through biopsies and complex gene expression analysis."
Expanding Clinical Applications
The validation builds upon EpiSwitch technology's existing clinical success in prostate cancer detection. The EpiSwitch PSE test for early prostate cancer detection demonstrates 94% accuracy compared to standard PSA testing's 55%, showing rapid adoption across both US and UK markets.
Oxford BioDynamics currently offers two commercially available products: the EpiSwitch PSE (Prostate Screening test) and EpiSwitch CiRT (Checkpoint Inhibitor Response Test). The CiRT test provides 85% accuracy in predicting response to immuno-oncology checkpoint inhibitor treatments.
Market Impact and Future Potential
The successful validation in bladder cancer represents a significant advancement in patient care, as the technology can identify which patients are most likely to benefit from specific treatment options. These results support growing evidence that EpiSwitch technology has the potential to revolutionize cancer detection and monitoring across various cancer types.
Following the announcement, Oxford BioDynamics shares more than doubled to 0.55 pence each on Tuesday morning in London, while Pfizer shares were up 0.2% at $25.39 in pre-market trading in New York.
The company's 3D genomic biomarker platform enables screening, evaluation, validation and monitoring of biomarkers to diagnose patients or determine treatment responses. New tests are being developed across oncology, neurology, inflammation, hepatology and animal health applications.
