bioMérieux Launches a Molecular Biology Test for the Detection of HPV, a Major Cause of Cervical Cancer

NucliSENS EasyQ® HPV is the result of the partnership between NorChip and bioMérieux. It uses NorChip’s PreTect® HPV-Proofer and bioMérieux’s NASBA® Real-Time technologies.

Most cervical cancer surveillance methods currently in use today detect viral DNA. Such testing, however, does not make it possible to most effectively assess the virus’ oncogenicity. Developed by bioMérieux, 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. Its high added medical value has been showed in a number of recently published papers. Furthermore, it 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” says Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer of bioMérieux.

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, Austria and will be progressively marketed in other countries according to local regulations.

HPV and Cervical Cancer
Cervical cancer is caused in 99.7% of cases by persistent infection with Human Papillomavirus (HPV). Most HPV infections are transient and fortunately 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 making them early cancer markers. It has also been demonstrated that genotypes 16 and 18 cause approximately 70% of cervical cancers worldwide.