(Alliance News) - Oxford BioDynamics PLC on Wednesday said it has conducted a study proving its EpiSwitch biomarkers can successfully detect lymphoma in dogs.
The study - which focused on the diagnosis of B-cell lymphoma in dogs - saw Oxford Biodynamics generate a new biomarker signature using blood from a group of dogs with lymphoma and validate it using a second group of dogs without lymphoma, in an attempt to see if the dogs with lymphoma could correctly be identified.
The newly-generated biomarker signature was able to correctly identify dogs with and without lymphoma with 80% in accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value.
The results of the study proved that EpiSwitch biomarkers can be "successfully translated across species for related pathologies and conditions," the biotechnology company said, adding that it highlighted the potential application of non-invasive EpiSwitch biomarkers in new therapeutic developments, including within the veterinary industry.
"Our EpiSwitch technology has provided us with a great wealth of data associated with lymphoma patients, and subsequently allowed us to translate these insights into canines, where there is a well-recognised unmet need. It is clear that the fundamentals of 3D genomics open up a new dimension for the application of EpiSwitch, particularly in veterinary science and animal welfare," said Oxford BioDynamics's Chief Scientific Officer Alexandre Akoulitchev.
"Whilst we remain focused on human health, this study demonstrates that there is a wider potential of our technology to ensure that the benefit of EpiSwitch is fully realised," he added.
Oxford Biodynamics has already signed several deals to identify biomarkers in the diagnosis of different conditions including autism, prostate cancer and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis.
Shares in the company were up 1.3% at 114.50 pence each on Wednesday afternoon in London.
By Ife Taiwo; ifetaiwo@alliancenews.com
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Oxford Biodyn (OBD)