Research funded by the Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation (OCRF) has progressed from the laboratory into the product development and commercialisation phase. This is a significant step in ovarian cancer diagnosis, with the launch of a new Cleo Triage Test.
Australian fashion brand Witchery played a significant role in this breakthrough, contributing over $16 million to date over the past 15 years, including sustained support from the Witchery White Shirt Campaign enabling the OCRF to fund the research behind the new Cleo Triage Test.
"We are thrilled to learn that, after many years of funded research, we have finally reached a point where an early detection test for ovarian cancer diagnosis may be in sight,” Witchery head of marketing Jennifer Petropoulous said. “We recognise that the journey is ongoing, and our battle to end ovarian cancer is far from concluded.
“This is why the Witchery White Shirt Campaign holds such paramount importance to us, and we will continue to raise both funds and awareness so that women everywhere can live free from the threat of this insidious disease."
The Cleo Triage Test was developed at the Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Melbourne by Professor Andrew Stephens and his team.
The test, now being commercialised by Australian company Cleo Diagnostics Ltd, aims to significantly improve upon existing ovarian cancer diagnosis technology.
According to the creators, the Cleo Triage Test has the potential to reduce unnecessary surgery, leading to better outcomes for patients and saving time and resources for the healthcare system.
If successful, the Cleo Triage Test will be an easy-to-administer blood test that can detect ovarian cancer at all stages and reduce the need for unnecessary surgery.
With appropriate regulatory approvals, clinical application will commence in 2025.
“The Witchery White Shirt Campaign is a global best practice example of the impact that can be had when industry and not for profit organisations tackle a complex challenge like ovarian cancer together,” OCRF CEO Robin Penty said.
“Funds from the campaign have employed over 100 researchers and doctoral candidates in more than 50 research projects.
“Its creative, powerful messaging has resonated across Australia and in every media channel. Medical research is a very long game. We simply could not achieve what we do as a foundation without Witchery.”