TrivarX to Acquire Stabl-Im Diagnostic Technology for Early Detection of Metastatic Brain Tumours

TrivarX (ASX: TRI) has announced plans to acquire novel Stabl-Im metastatic brain technology and associated stable isotope cancer diagnostic intellectual property from Australian company Nucleics.

Stabl-Im represents a potential breakthrough in the safe and non-invasive detection of brain cancers and metastases using standard magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) equipment to visualise and monitor tumour growth without the need for radiation or surgical procedures.

The platform – which utilises stable isotope labelling to identify replicating cells within the brain – will allow TrivarX to advance a targeted opportunity in the high-growth global market for brain imaging with a key focus on safety, precision and treatment monitoring.

Nucleics Technical Support

TrivarX will receive assistance from Nucleics founder Dr Daniel Tillett, who has offered to provide ongoing support and technical advice around preclinical and clinical studies.

Dr Tillett is a prominent biotechnology entrepreneur, investor, and innovator with more than 25 years’ experience in molecular biology, genomics, and commercial biotech development.

He is the current managing director of Race Oncology (ASX: RAC), and has a proven track record of identifying and advancing high-value biomedical technologies from concept through to commercialisation.

Two-Tranche Placement

TrivarX will raise $4.2 million in a two-tranche share placement to finalise the Stable-lm acquisition and advance the platform’s clinical development.

The company will issue 525 million new shares at $0.008 each to a range of new and existing investors, including Dr Tillett and TrivarX directors.

TrivarX expects to finalise the acquisition of all intellectual property, associated expertise, and supporting data in the coming weeks, ahead of maiden clinical trials in the new year.

Phase 1 in-human trials will assess the safety, imaging precision, and reproducibility of the Stabl-Im platform in patients with confirmed brain tumours, with preliminary safety data supporting progression to broader multi-site trials.

Preparatory work will include manufacturing and quality control validation for the stable isotope compounds used in imaging, alongside regulatory pre-submission activities in key markets including the US and European Union.

Expanding Diagnostic Portfolio

TrivarX non-executive chair David Trimboli said the acquisition aligned with the company’s strategy to expand its diagnostic portfolio across the high-value neurological and oncology markets.

“The addition of Stabl-Im to our technology suite establishes a very powerful platform for objective, data-driven diagnostics across mental health and neurology,” he added.

Brain metastases affects up to 20% of all adult cancer patients and is more common in those suffering from lung and breast cancers.

Despite major advances in chemotherapy, immunotherapy and targeted treatments, survival rates remain poor, with most patients having a short life expectancy following diagnosis.

Current MRI-based monitoring limits early intervention opportunities as it can only detect tumours once they have reached a certain size, whereas Stabl-Im offers safe, repeatable and early detection of tumour activity—giving it a unique opportunity to become one of the first commercial platforms with a high margin of safety within this rapidly-expanding sector.