Thermo Fisher Scientific Partners with Mainz Biomed to Advance Colorectal Cancer Screening

In a significant move to combat the rising threat of colorectal cancer, especially among younger populations, healthcare giant Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (NYSE: TMO) has entered into a partnership with molecular genetics diagnostic company Mainz Biomed NV (NASDAQ: MYNZ). The collaboration aims to develop and potentially commercialize ColoAlert, Mainz Biomed's advanced early detection screening test for colorectal cancer, in the United States.

This partnership comes at a critical time, as colorectal cancer cases have alarmingly increased by 500% among young people over the past two decades. The disease, once considered primarily a concern for the elderly, is now affecting children and teenagers at unprecedented rates. With colorectal cancer being a major cause of death in America, claiming approximately 50,000 lives annually, the need for effective early detection methods has never been more pressing.

ColoAlert, Mainz Biomed's flagship product, offers a non-invasive approach to colorectal cancer screening. The test analyzes stool samples for four tumor markers associated with cancer: KRAS-mutation, BRAF-mutation, total amount of human DNA, and occult blood. In clinical trials, ColoAlert has demonstrated impressive sensitivity, exceeding 90% for detecting colorectal cancer and over 80% for advanced adenomas.

The collaboration between Mainz Biomed and Thermo Fisher Scientific will leverage the latter's advanced technologies, instrumentation, and information translation systems. This partnership is expected to accelerate the development of Mainz Biomed's proprietary assays for its mRNA-based next-generation colorectal cancer screening tests.

Guido Baechler, CEO of Mainz Biomed, emphasized the significance of this collaboration, stating, "This collaboration with Thermo Fisher Scientific will be instrumental to our goal to bring to market a home collection colorectal screening tool with highly effective detection of adenomas." The partnership is anticipated to expedite the availability of this innovative test for colorectal cancer screening worldwide.

The importance of early detection cannot be overstated. When caught early, the five-year survival rate for colorectal cancer is 90%. However, currently, only about four in ten colorectal cancers are detected at an early stage. ColoAlert's ease of use and high accuracy could potentially increase screening rates and improve early detection.

As Mainz Biomed prepares to launch a clinical FDA trial in the U.S. next year, the partnership with Thermo Fisher Scientific positions the company to potentially bring ColoAlert to millions of Americans at risk of colorectal cancer. The collaboration represents a significant step forward in the fight against this deadly disease, offering hope for improved screening methods and potentially saving countless lives through early detection and intervention.

While the rising incidence of colorectal cancer among younger populations is concerning, medical experts emphasize the importance of awareness and screening. As Dr. Islam Mohamed, an internal medicine resident physician at the University of Missouri-Kansas City, noted, "It's important that the public is aware of signs and symptoms of colorectal cancer." The development and potential widespread availability of tests like ColoAlert could play a crucial role in addressing this growing health concern.

As the healthcare industry continues to innovate in the fight against cancer, partnerships like the one between Thermo Fisher Scientific and Mainz Biomed demonstrate the potential for collaborative efforts to drive significant advancements in early detection and treatment. The success of this venture could mark a turning point in colorectal cancer screening and prevention, potentially setting a new standard for cancer diagnostics and patient care.