Vigilant Biosciences has received $2.3 million to develop its "rinse and spit" test for the early detection of oral cancer.
The company received $2 million in Series A financing and a $300,000 loan from the Florida Institute for the Commercialization of Public Research Seed Capital Acceleration Program. The proceeds will support FDA 510(k) clearance and CE Mark approval efforts for its oral cancer test, and enable the company to prepare for its international product launch and advance other development products. Vigilant is targeting initial commercial sales of the test in 2015.
The product consists of a low-cost, oral cancer-specific oral rinse test strip that provides an immediate and simple color change in the presence of certain levels of proteins that have clinically proved to be associated with the early onset of oral cancer. It works by measuring the early cancer markers via a saline solution that is swished in the mouth and collected in a tube.
The test targets smokers, drinkers, and people with human papillomavirus (HPV).
Based on clinical trials, the biomarkers have shown 80% to 85% sensitivity and 88% to 100% specificity, according to the company's website.
