Researchers Use Olink® Explore to Identify Circulating Proteins That May Give Cancer Warning 7 Years Before Diagnosis
Olink Holding AB (Nasdaq: OLK) announced a breakthrough study using its Olink Explore platform, showing proteins in blood may indicate cancer up to 7 years before diagnosis. Published in Nature Communications, the study analyzed blood from over 44,000 people, identifying 371 proteins associated with 19 cancers, including 107 detectable years before cancer onset. Conducted by Oxford Population Health and funded by Cancer Research UK, the findings highlight proteomics' potential for early cancer detection and better treatment. Further research is needed to confirm these proteins' roles in cancer. The study's details will be presented at the European Society of Human Genetics conference in Berlin, June 1-4.
- Identified 371 proteins linked to 19 cancers, including 107 detectable 7 years before diagnosis.
- Analyzed blood samples from over 44,000 individuals, showcasing the study's vast scale.
- Publication in Nature Communications adds credibility and visibility.
- Olink Explore platform demonstrated scalability and specificity in proteomics analysis.
- Potential for earlier intervention and better cancer treatment outcomes.
- Positive reception likely at the European Society of Human Genetics conference.
- Further investigation needed to confirm proteins' roles in cancer, implying initial findings are not final.
- Research still in early stages; real-world application and reliability of tests remain to be proven.
Insights
The study leveraging Olink Explore to identify circulating proteins linked to early cancer detection is a significant leap in the realm of proteomics. The ability to identify proteins up to seven years before a cancer diagnosis could revolutionize cancer management, enabling interventions at much earlier stages. For an investor, this points to a massive potential market for early detection tools. However, it is important to note that while these findings are promising, they are still in the research phase. Further validation and development are needed before these biomarkers can be translated into routine clinical screening tests. The integration of such advanced diagnostics could reduce healthcare costs and improve patient outcomes in the long term, yet the company needs to navigate the complex regulatory landscape and demonstrate clinical utility to healthcare providers.
From a financial perspective, Olink's involvement in this landmark study showcases its cutting-edge technology and potential for substantial market growth. The collaboration with prestigious institutions like Oxford Population Health and funding from Cancer Research UK adds credibility and visibility. Short-term, this news might boost investor confidence and stock performance. Long-term, the real financial impact will depend on Olink’s ability to commercialize these findings and integrate them into the healthcare system. Investors should closely monitor subsequent research developments, partnerships and any steps towards regulatory approvals. While the potential market for early cancer detection is lucrative, the timeline for realization and associated costs must be factored into investment decisions.
UPPSALA, Sweden, May 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Olink Holding AB (publ) (Nasdaq: OLK) today reported the publication of a landmark study using the Olink Explore platform to identify proteins in the blood that may provide a 7-year warning for various cancers.
The findings, published in Nature Communications, illustrate the tremendous potential of proteomics to revolutionize cancer detection, allowing for intervention at much earlier stages, potentially leading to better treatment outcomes and even prevention.
Early Detection – A Game Changer.
In the groundbreaking work, conducted by Oxford Population Health and funded by Cancer Research UK, researchers describe how they used Olink's next-generation proteomics platform to analyze blood samples from over 44,000 individuals. They were able to pinpoint 371 proteins linked to 19 different cancers, including 107 proteins that were detectable in individuals more than seven years before cancer diagnosis.
"To save more lives from cancer, we need to better understand what happens at the earliest stages of the disease. Data from thousands of people with cancer has revealed really exciting insights into how the proteins in our blood can affect our risk of cancer. Now we need to study these proteins in depth to see which ones could be reliably used for prevention,” said Dr Keren Papier, Senior Nutritional Epidemiologist at Oxford Population Health and joint first author of the study.
Olink – Unlocking the Power of Proteomics.
Olink's innovative proteomics solution played a pivotal role in the Oxford Population Health research. Owing to its scalability and specificity, researchers were able to accurately analyze a huge number of proteins across tens of thousands of samples, uncovering crucial information hidden within the human body's complex protein makeup. This study is a powerful example of how proteomics is driving a new era of discovery. “Over the past two decades, genomics has contributed tremendously to our understanding of human disease. Today, we are witnessing how technologies like Olink Explore are catalysing a revolution in our understanding of biological systems at an unprecedented scale,” said Dr Joshua Atkins, Senior Genomic Epidemiologist within the Cancer Epidemiology Unit at the University of Oxford.
Details of the study will be presented as part of the Olink Proteomics Corporate Symposium at European Society of Human Genetics conference in Berlin on June 1 – 4. Dr Atkins, alongside other speakers, will describe how the UK Biobank Pharma Proteomics Project, the world’s largest proteomics study backed by 13 leading pharmaceutical companies, analyzed samples from over 54,000 participants and identified over 20,000 novel genetic associations with plasma protein levels, finally helping to bridge the gap between genetics and disease pathology.
The Road Ahead – Refining and Developing Solutions.
While these findings hold immense promise for the future of cancer management, the research team emphasized the need for further investigation. Understanding the specific role these proteins play in cancer development and identifying the most reliable ones for testing are crucial next steps.
“This breakthrough research, enabled by the Olink platform and the UKB Pharma Proteomics project, offers a glimpse into a future where early cancer detection and preventive intervention becomes a reality,” stated Carl Raimond, President, Olink. “With continued research and development, discoveries such as these have the potential to transform how disease is diagnosed, treated, and prevented.”
Learn more about Olink’s next-generation proteomics technologies at Olink.com.
Read the landmark Nature Communications paper here.
Investor contact
David Deuchler, CFA
Gilmartin Group
olink@gilmartinir.com
Media contact
Michael B. Gonzales, PhD
Vice President, Global Marketing
Mobile: +1 415 308 6467
michael.gonzales@olink.com
About Olink
Olink Holding AB (Nasdaq: OLK) is a company dedicated to accelerating proteomics together with the scientific community, across multiple disease areas to enable new discoveries and improve the lives of patients. Olink provides a platform of products and services which are deployed across major pharmaceutical companies and leading clinical and academic institutions to deepen the understanding of real-time human biology and drive 21st century healthcare through actionable and impactful science. The Company was founded in 2016 and is well established across Europe, North America and Asia. Olink is headquartered in Uppsala, Sweden.
Forward-looking statements
This release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, including, without limitation, statements regarding Olink’s strategy, business plans and focus. The words “may,” “will,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “expect,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “believe,” “estimate,” “predict,” “project,” “potential,” “continue,” “target” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements in this press release are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs as of the date hereof and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties and important factors that may cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, including, without limitation, those related to Olink’s business, operations, supply chain, strategy, goals and anticipated timelines, including for the delivery of Olink Explore 3072 and the expansion of the Explore platform, competition, and other risks identified in the section entitled “Risk Factors” in Olink’s Registration Statement on Form F-1, as amended (File No. 333-253818) filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) and in the other filings, reports, and documents Olink files with the SEC from time to time. Olink expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements in this release to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, unless required by law or regulation.
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