HALO, UND enter agreement to develop biomarkers for early detection of breast cancer

Jul 23 2012

HALO Healthcare, Inc., a provider of innovative diagnostic solutions for women's breast care announced that it has signed a definitive license agreement with the University of North Dakota (UND) to develop biomarkers for the early detection of breast cancer. Early detection of breast cancer has significant health and economic benefits. The licensed UND technology is based on detecting cancer biomarkers in breast nipple aspirate fluid (NAF) which is the platform used for the HALO® Breast Test marketed by Halo Healthcare for breast cancer risk assessment. Over 25,000 HALO tests have been performed worldwide.

“The University of North Dakota is happy to have executed this definitive exclusive license agreement with HALO Healthcare, Inc.”

France Dixon Helfer, President and CEO of Halo Healthcare states, "This license has the opportunity of providing women all over the world an annual early breast detection test years before it is visible by mammography or other imaging technologies used for breast cancer screening. Our scientists are developing a laboratory 'test kit' which could revolutionize the breast cancer care path. This empowering breakthrough technology will enable physicians to find and treat breast cancer at a very early stage so all women can be spared the devastating effects of later staged breast cancer."

Dr. Edward Sauter, the inventor of the biomarker technology and a practicing breast surgeon, acknowledges the potential clinical value by noting "this biomolecular technology strikes at the root cause of cancer and its development is the result of many years of research effort." Dr. Sauter further states that "with appropriate clinical validation the test will be of great value to breast cancer specialists and to women."

"The University of North Dakota is happy to have executed this definitive exclusive license agreement with HALO Healthcare, Inc.," said Michael F. Moore, the university's associate vice president, intellectual property commercialization & economic development. "We believe HALO Healthcare is a dedicated partner, committed to developing this technology to improve breast cancer diagnostic technology. UND looks forward to a long relationship with HALO Healthcare."