Molecular Biology Test Detects Human Papillomavirus

A molecular diagnostic test enables the detection of human papillomavirus (HPV) in cervical cancer surveillance.

Cervical cancer is caused in 99.7% of cases by persistent infection with HPV. Most HPV infections are transient and do not induce cervical cancer. However, a small but significant number of HPV infections progress to cervical cancer. It is the expression of viral oncoproteins E6 and E7, which initiate the cervical cancer process, that makes them early cancer markers. It has also been demonstrated that genotypes 16 and 18 cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers worldwide.

Most cervical cancer surveillance methods currently in use detect viral DNA. Such testing, however, does not make it possible to most effectively assess the virus' oncogenicity. Developed by bioMérieux (Marcy l'Etoile, France), NucliSens EasyQ HPV is based on a new concept that benefits from all the latest discoveries in the field, directly determining the expression of oncogenic risk factors by detecting the mRNA of the E6 and E7 proteins.

NucliSENS HPV EasyQ is the first real-time amplification/detection test with this degree of automation to be CE-marked. It is currently available in France, the Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Spain, and Austria and will be progressively marketed in other countries according to local regulations.

The test enhances the quality of women's lives by reducing the need for invasive examinations and treatments. "This new molecular diagnostic test reinforces bioMérieux's offer in the field of oncology. The test contributes to the fight against cancer and complements current methods for the detection and monitoring of cervical cancer. This new product strongly reinforces the value of our molecular biology platform, NucliSENS EasyQ, for our customers and future prospects,” said Stéphane Bancel, CEO of bioMérieux.

bioMérieux provides diagnostic solutions (reagents, instruments, software) that determine the source of disease and contamination to improve patient health and ensure consumer safety. The products are used for diagnosing infectious diseases and providing high medical value results for cardiovascular emergencies and cancer screening and monitoring.


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