Cancer Detection Method from the University of Pardubice Receives US Patent

A Czech method for detecting pancreatic and two other types of cancer has received a patent in the United States of America. The method of scientists from the University of Pardubice, which can diagnose the disease from blood alone, is currently being clinically tested by Lipidica. Collaborating with 14 hospitals across the Czech Republic, the company calls for volunteers predisposed to the disease to help with the testing and gain information about their health.

Thanks to the US patent, this research has gained significant legal protection in one of the world's most important markets. Besides the United States, the unique method has patent protection in other countries, including European Union member states, Japan and Singapore. However, the granting of the US patent was not at all easy. The entire process, from application to grant, took almost five years. The text of the document itself is 75 pages long, describing the principles of the method for early detection of pancreatic cancer by analysing lipids in blood plasma. The patent also covers the diagnosis of kidney and breast cancer.

“I am thrilled that we have obtained the US patent, which opens up great opportunities for us in the future. If the clinical validation has good results within two years, we can expand our non-invasive test for pancreatic cancer outside the Czech Republic and Europe,” says Prof. Michal Holčapek from the Faculty of Chemical Technology, the University of Pardubice.

Lipidica is a spin-off company based in Pardubice, backed by FONS JK Group a.s. and the University of Pardubice. “The patent secures our intellectual property and increases our credibility with strategic partners, investors and regulatory authorities. Its acquisition confirms our solution’s originality and practical applicability and represents a key step towards its transfer into clinical practice and commercial use. We are currently focusing on conducting a clinical function study of the method, in which we are trying to reach as many participants as possible. If you want to help us, visit www.lipidica.cz for more information,” explains Karolína Kašparová, Lipidica’s Business Director.

“Obtaining the US patent significantly advances the potential use of screening tests. I believe the clinical study will confirm the validity of the method. Our University’s research could lead to the availability of a screening test for this insidious type of cancer from blood alone,” adds Prof. Libor Čapek, Rector of the University of Pardubice.