The first next-generation ‘cancer type specific test’ for the ‘N-NOSE’ has been commercialized, according to a release from Hirotsu Bio Science Inc.
The first test in the world to identify early-stage pancreatic cancer is called ‘N-NOSE plus Pancreas’. Hirotsu wants to increase pancreatic cancer treatment effectiveness by detecting as many cases of the disease early as possible with the ‘N-NOSE plus Pancreas’ device.
In addition to developing a ‘cancer-specific test’ as a replacement for the “N-NOSE” primary cancer screening test, which was introduced in January 2020, Hirotsu has also been working tirelessly to develop a specific test for pancreatic cancer, which is notoriously difficult to detect in its early stages.
By genetically altering C. elegans nematodes, the company was successful in November 2021 in producing a ‘special nematode’ that specifically responds to the smell of pancreatic cancer. After completing verification tests at a testing facility, the company has now commercialized the ‘N-NOSE plus Pancreas’, which was developed after further research demonstrated that this unique nematode is capable of detecting early-stage pancreatic cancer.