Cancer remains a grim reaper of lives, snatching away millions each year, which makes early detection not just a scientific advance but a humanitarian mission. BioMark Diagnostics Inc., a burgeoning North American life sciences company, is riding the wave, bringing hope where statistics often spell despair.
“BioMark is set to revolutionize the way we look at cancer diagnostics,” CEO and Founder Rashid Bux asserted in a recent interview. “Our liquid biopsy platform is engineered to detect notoriously hard-to-catch cancers like lung, pancreatic, and glioblastoma brain (GBM) at an early stage. The key here is ‘early’—that’s what makes the difference between life and death.”
How BioMark Changes the Game
With lung cancer diagnosis to treatment time currently averaging a disheartening 50 days, the urgency for a faster, more effective diagnostic mechanism can’t be overstated. BioMark aims to cut this time significantly through its advanced technology.
“Our platform can dynamically monitor responses to treatments, thereby allowing medical professionals to switch to more effective treatments faster. We also offer unprecedented diagnostic confidence, making it easier for clinicians to rule in or out disease states,” Bux elaborated.
Notably, BioMark isn’t just about diagnostics, focusing on post-treatment care as well. Considering that cancers like GBM have a relapse rate exceeding 90%, the need for constant, reliable monitoring is evident. “With our technology, we can constantly monitor for recurrence. This is critical given the high relapse rates of the cancers we target,” Bux added.
The Differentiating Factors
When asked what sets BioMark apart from other players in the diagnostics space, Bux pointed to multiple factors.
“The sensitivity of our assays provides an unparalleled diagnostic confidence. But what’s even more groundbreaking is the metabolic-based signatures our tests can pick up, even before patients show symptoms. This literally translates to early interventions, improving survival rates significantly,” he explained.
Cost efficiency also stands out as a distinct advantage. BioMark’s platform leverages high-throughput systems with robotic sample handling capabilities, making mass-scale screening viable without compromising accuracy or speed.
Challenges and Opportunities
Like any innovative venture, BioMark has its share of challenges. Securing capital and rapid strategy shifts amid an intensely competitive landscape top the list. But these challenges pale in comparison to the opportunities ahead.
“We’ve secured over $8 million in non-dilutive funding, which is a validation of our model and vision. We’re also focusing on the early lung cancer assay, targeting its launch by Q4 2023,” Bux shared.
Considering that the global lung cancer screening market is expected to more than double from approximately $2 billion in 2021 to over $4 billion by 2029, BioMark seems well-positioned for success. Add to that a 5 to 7-fold expected increase in lung cancer rates in countries like India due to pollution, and it becomes clear why Bux is optimistic.
The company also eyes other revenue streams, such as licensing its technology outside North America, expanding relationships with bio-pharma partners, and integrating more digital health analytics, AI, and machine learning into its offerings.
A Future to Look Forward To
Bux is particularly excited about the societal implications of BioMark’s work, especially in reducing cancer mortality in resource-constrained communities. “Our technology is not just for those who can afford it. It’s crucial that we make these advancements accessible and affordable to all, aligning our growth with Sustainable Development Goals, specifically SDG 3.4, which aims to reduce premature mortality from non-communicable diseases by a third by 2030,” he said.
As BioMark prepares to launch its early lung cancer assay, the healthcare industry and millions waiting for better diagnostic tools look on with bated breath. If successful, BioMark could radically alter the cancer diagnostic landscape, turning what is often a death sentence into a manageable condition.
As Bux succinctly put it, “Early detection through stage shifting isn’t just a medical term; it’s a lifeline. That’s what BioMark is all about.”
Visit BioMark Diagnostics for more information on their upcoming assays and technology.
