Vigilant Biosciences debuts OncAlert Oral Cancer Risk Assessment System at IDS 2015

Vigilant Biosciences, Inc., a leading innovator and developer of solutions that aid in the early detection and intervention of cancer, debuted its OncAlert Oral Cancer Risk Assessment System in Hall 4.2 Booth #N049 at the International Dental Show (IDS) 2015, the world's leading tradeshow for the dental industry, in Cologne, Germany.

Additionally, Vigilant's Chief Dental Officer John Comisi, DDS, MAGD, presented an oral presentation, "Improving Early Detection of Oral Cancer with Salivary Diagnostics, during the show.

Vigilant's initial product, the OncAlert Oral Cancer Risk Assessment System, includes the OncAlert Oral Cancer Rapid Point-of-Care Risk Assessment Test and the OncAlert Oral Cancer CD44 + Total Protein Lab Test. Both products in the OncAlert System are based on patented technology that reportedly detects specific protein markers known to indicate an elevated risk for oral cancer, even prior to the observation of visual or physical symptoms. The simple oral rinse procedure is said to be easy to administer and non-invasive for the patient. The test can benefit every adult, with particular emphasis on high-risk populations (i.e., current and former tobacco users, those who consume alcohol and people with human papillomavirus (HPV)). Both the rapid point-of-care test and the lab assay that comprise the OncAlert Oral Cancer Risk Assessment System are currently under the CE Mark registration approval process and expected for release in Q2 2015.

Watch our exclusive Q&A with Comisi below:

Related reading: The top 5 reasons to really think about oral cancer

Continue to Page 2 to read more about the OncAlert system ...

"We are thrilled to be making our global debut of the OncAlert System at IDS, and look forward to completing our CE Mark registration and launching our product this spring," said Matthew H.J. Kim, founder, chairman and CEO of Vigilant Biosciences. "As hundreds of thousands continue to be diagnosed with oral cancer every year, our simple, specific and affordable test can aid in earlier detection of risk and intervention of this disease. We are committed to working with dental professionals around the world to incorporate this test seamlessly into their standard practice."

"As a practicing dental professional, I've seen firsthand the impact that oral cancer can have when detected at a late stage," said Dr. John Comisi, chief dental officer of Vigilant Biosciences. "The OncAlert system will elevate the standard of care and transform the detection of oral cancer by providing a very simple and very specific method for assessing risk in individuals. It's non-invasive and takes only seconds to administer with the rapid, point-of-care test providing results in minutes, making it easy to incorporate into a routine exam."

According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 600,000 new cases of head and neck cancer and 300,000 deaths each year worldwide. In the United States, more than 54,000 individuals were diagnosed with head and neck cancers in 2014, with 13,500 deaths from the disease. Historically the death rate associated with this cancer is particularly high due to late-stage diagnosis and intervention.

For more information on Vigilant Biosciences or the OncAlert Oral Cancer Risk Assessment System, visit vigilantbiosciences.com.

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