Vigilant Biosciences announces three new OncAlert distribution agreements for Europe, Africa, and Latin America

The new OncAlert agreements will further expand Vigilant Biosciences' reach and support the company's goal to deliver accurate and cost-effective tools to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer.

Vigilant Biosciences Inc., an innovator and developer of solutions that aid in the early detection and intervention of cancer, today announced three exclusive multiyear distribution agreements for sales and marketing of its OncAlert Oral Cancer product line in Benelux (Belgium, Netherlands, Luxembourg), Italy, South Africa, Puerto Rico and the Caribbean.

The new distribution partners include Bio-Connect Diagnostics B.V. for the distribution of the OncAlert oral cancer product line to the dental and medical markets in Benelux; Lagitre S.R.L. for the distribution of the OncAlert Oral Cancer product line in Italy and South Africa; and Isla Lab Products for the distribution of the OncAlert Oral Cancer product line in Puerto Rico and the Caribbean. As part of the new multiyear deals the OncAlert Oral Cancer product line will be available to customers in these regions starting later this year.

Vigilant Biosciences has previously announced multiple distribution agreements throughout Europe, Africa and Asia/Pacific. The new agreements will further expand Vigilant Biosciences' reach throughout Europe, Africa and Latin America and support the company's goal to deliver accurate and cost-effective tools to aid clinicians in the diagnosis and treatment of oral cancer.

READ MORE | Vigilant Biosciences receives CE mark for OncAlert Oral Cancer Rapid Test

"Oral cancer is a growing problem not only in our region but worldwide, particularly with the increase in HPV-related oral cancer," said Anand Lachmansingh, general manager, Bio-Connect Diagnostics. "Having a simple, cost-effective, and non-invasive test can aid dental professionals and clinicians in detecting oral cancer earlier, which will help to improve outcomes from this disease."

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than 2,500 people in Benelux, 11,500 people in Italy, 7,900 people in South Africa, and 5,500 people in the Caribbean are diagnosed with oral cancer each year. In addition, according to WHO reports, more than 8.2 million people in Benelux, 12.65 million people in Italy, 3.93 million people in South Africa, and 6.29 people in the Caribbean are at risk for oral cancer due to factors inducing smoking, heavy drinking and having been diagnosed with HPV—all key risk factors for oral cancer.

"We are excited to partner with Vigilant Biosciences to bring the OncAlert tests to dental and medical professionals in Italy and South Africa," said Gianfranco Gianella, director, Lagitre. "Having an easy-to-use tool to aid in the detection of oral cancer earlier, when it is more treatable, will help us save lives. There is a clear need in the market for the OncAlert products."

"We are pleased to announce that we have further expanded the distribution of the OncAlert product line with these recent distribution agreements," said Matthew H.J. Kim, founder, chairman, and CEO of Vigilant Biosciences. "Globally, we have seen a rise in oral cancer rates in recent years, and new tools to aid in the diagnosis of oral cancer earlier are critical to reversing this trend. We look forward to working with Bio-Connect, Lagitre and Isla Lab Products, together with all of our partners, to provide innovative and cost-effective products that will result in earlier detection and intervention for patients at risk all over the world."

Source: Vigilant Biosciences press release 15 June 2016