Namida Lab to evaluate breast cancer screening test

US-based biotechnology company Namida Lab has unveiled plans to start a clinical study to evaluate a tear-based breast cancer screening test, known as Melody.

Designed for women with dense breast tissue, the test will act as a supplemental tool to current methods.

Funded by Namida Lab, the tear collection will start this month at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center and last for six months, with the goal of enrolling 100 women.

The company said that the patients diagnosed with thick breast tissue and are due for screening mammography will be eligible to participate in the trial.

According to the firm, a strip of filter paper will be placed in the lower eyelid for a total of five minutes to collect tear samples from study participants.

The test strip will be sent to Namida Lab for breast cancer marker analysis.

Namida Lab product development and innovation VP Anna Daily said: “This study will lead to incredible outcomes to implement Melody as a part of the current screening process for women with dense breast tissue, since the results of Melody are not limited by tissue type, and therefore a promising avenue in detecting breast abnormalities.”

Namida Lab is a product stage biotechnology firm specialising in the development and commercialising proteomics tests with a focus on the oncology space, covering screening and diagnostics.

The company is set to release an at-home risk assessment test, Auria, a direct-to-consumer short-term breast health assessment test, later this year. NS Medical Devices