INOVIQ Secures Global Rights to Novel Ovarian Cancer Biomarker Technology

INOVIQ (ASX: IIQ) has strengthened its ovarian cancer program by licensing exclusive worldwide rights to novel exosomal biomarker intellectual property from UniQuest, the commercialisation arm of The University of Queensland.

The agreement gives INOVIQ the freedom to develop and commercialise the biomarkers as part of its EXO-OC test, a blood test for the early detection and screening of ovarian cancer in asymptomatic women.

Chief executive officer Dr Leearne Hinch said the licence marks a pivotal step for the company, allowing INOVIQ to combine the University’s discoveries with its own EXO-NET exosome isolation platform and machine-learning algorithm to create a potential best-in-class diagnostic.

EXO-OC Test Builds on Breakthrough Results

INOVIQ developed the EXO-OC test to address one of the greatest unmet needs in oncology: reliable early detection of ovarian cancer.

The test isolates exosomes from blood samples, then analyses RNA and protein biomarkers in combination with CA125, a known ovarian cancer marker, through an AI-enhanced algorithm.

In a blind study of 500 samples, the test recorded 77% sensitivity at 99.6% specificity across all disease stages and 100% sensitivity in Stage I and II patients.

Clinical studies are now in progress to confirm performance across different ovarian cancer subtypes, racial groups, and risk categories.

INOVIQ is targeting Laboratory Developed Test (LDT) readiness in the US by late 2026.

Commercial Pathway Gains Momentum

INOVIQ has already begun commercial discussions with major clinical laboratories and diagnostic companies to accelerate adoption of EXO-OC in the US market, with plans to first launch the test as an LDT before pursuing In Vitro Diagnostic (IVD) registrations in global markets.

The IP covers a patent application the University of Queensland filed in May 2025, which protects novel combinations of protein and RNA biomarkers for exosome-based ovarian cancer testing.

INOVIQ will pay UniQuest A$25,000 upfront, up to A$360,000 in regulatory and commercial milestones, and tiered royalties of up to 2.5% on net sales.

The agreement ensures INOVIQ retains exclusive rights to the technology for at least ten years after first commercial sale or until patent expiry, securing a clear commercial runway.

Strategic Fit With Exosome Portfolio

Dr Hinch said the deal consolidates INOVIQ’s leadership in exosome-based diagnostics.

“Incorporating UQ’s novel exosomal biomarker IP into our EXO-OC test enables development of a potential best-in-class exosome-based test for the early detection of ovarian cancer,” she said.

“With unmatched performance to date, our EXO-OC test has the potential to change the paradigm in ovarian cancer detection and drive significant value creation for shareholders.”

UniQuest chief executive officer Dr Dean Moss also welcomed the agreement, describing it as the outcome of a long-standing collaboration between UQ researchers and INOVIQ.

Additionally, the partnership gives INOVIQ a direct collaboration channel with Professor Carlos Salomon Gallo, a leading international expert in exosome biology, further strengthening the scientific foundation for the EXO-OC program.