Fujifilm, Helio Health collaborate on blood-based liver cancer test

Fujifilm Medical Systems USA announced on Wednesday that it has partnered with Helio Health to develop a blood-based test to help with earlier detection of liver cancer.

The companies will use Helio Health’s DNA methylation and biomarker-based blood test technology — the multianalyte HelioLiver test that detects hepatocellular carcinoma — with Fujifilm’s μTASWako i30 immunoanalyzer, which has received 510(k) clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration. According to a spokesperson for both companies, they are “working together to advance development” of the test.

Financial and other terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The HelioLiver test is currently under regulatory review for registration by the China National Medical Products Administration. Helio Health is also working on other cancer testing and screening products, including tests for colon, breast, and lung cancer, as well as multi-cancer indications.

“Potential curative treatment options are more readily available when liver cancer is detected at an early stage,” Henry Izawa, VP of modality solutions and clinical affairs at Fujifilm, said in a statement. “We believe that this collaboration will provide expanded monitoring and treatment options for patients at high risk of developing liver cancer.”

Helio Health CEO Kenneth Chahine added that “Fujifilm’s market expertise will also enable us to solidify adoption of the HelioLiver Test in the US market, especially where ultrasound remains the standard of care for early liver cancer detection.” Genome Web