Cizzle Biotechnology Secures Canadian Patent for CIZ1B Lung Cancer Biomarker Test
Key Insights
Cizzle Biotechnology has been granted Canadian patent protection for its CIZ1B (search) lung cancer biomarker test, strengthening its intellectual property portfolio across key global markets.
The patented two-step test format uses a fibrinogen capture agent to detect CIZ1B (search) variants and is licensed to Cizzle Bio Inc (search) for commercialization in North America and the Caribbean.
The diagnostic test aligns with NHS cancer plans to increase early-stage cancer diagnoses from half to three-quarters by 2028, potentially saving 55,000 additional lives annually.
Cizzle Biotechnology Holdings (search) plc has secured patent protection in Canada for its innovative CIZ1B (search) lung cancer biomarker test, marking a significant milestone in the UK-based company's global commercialization strategy. The Canadian intellectual property office has granted patent applications that claim protection for methods measuring the CIZ1B lung cancer biomarker, adding to the company's existing patent coverage in the USA and Europe.
Patent Protection Strengthens Commercial Position
The granted patent, titled "Use of a fibrinogen capture agent to detect a CIZ1B (search) variant," covers a two-step test format developed by Cizzle at the University of York (search). This proprietary technology is licensed to Cizzle Bio Inc (search) for use in North America and the Caribbean, with the new Canadian patents strengthening the licensee's position in commercializing the diagnostic technology.
The company maintains a robust patent portfolio and continues seeking additional protection in key markets globally. A further application is likely to be granted by the United States patent and trademark office in due course, according to company statements.
Scientific Foundation and Development
The CIZ1B (search) biomarker test represents the culmination of research led by Professor Dawn Coverley, the company's founder and Chief Scientific Officer, and her research team at the University of York (search). The development was initially supported by UK Research and Industry and Charity sector research grants, with the goal of translating laboratory findings into products benefiting cancer patients globally.
The CIZ1B (search) biomarker is a naturally occurring variant of the cell nuclear protein CIZ1 (search), which is linked with the preservation of epigenetic integrity. This biomarker is highly associated with the presence of early-stage lung cancer and can be measured in small quantities of blood, enabling the development of a non-invasive, cost-effective blood test.
Commercial Strategy and Market Penetration
Cizzle Biotechnology's patent portfolio enhances the company's ability to execute its global commercial strategy of licensing its proprietary CIZ1B (search) biomarker test for early lung cancer detection. The company's first license agreement with Cizzle Bio Inc (search) has led to partnerships with specialist clinical laboratories and hospitals, enabling market penetration that makes the test available to clinicians and patients across North America and the Caribbean.
The company has also secured patent protection from the European Patent Office and is focused on establishing partnerships with accredited facilities in the UK and Europe, including the NHS.
Alignment with Healthcare Initiatives
The diagnostic test aligns strategically with the current NHS cancer plan, which aims to dramatically improve cancer survival rates by increasing the proportion of cancers diagnosed at stages 1 and 2 from half to three-quarters by 2028. This shift towards earlier diagnosis is expected to save 55,000 additional lives per year by 2028. The plan focuses on improving access to diagnosis and treatment, raising awareness of cancer symptoms, and increasing the number of cancers identified through screening, including personalized and risk-stratified approaches.
"The granted patents that cover the specific test format that we are taking to market with our partners in North America and elsewhere will protect the Company's offering and add an additional level of security for our shareholders," said Dawn Coverley, Chief Scientific Officer of Cizzle Biotechnology. "They help to ensure that the Company's innovative and commercially scalable CIZ1B (search) biomarker test will bring benefit to cancer patients, through the roll out of early detection programs."
The company has entered commercial royalty-bearing arrangements to license its proprietary technology and established collaborations with centers of excellence in cancer care. Cizzle was admitted to the Standard segment of the main market of the London Stock Exchange in May 2021.