- Perth-based medtech OncoRes has received a $150,000 grant from the State Government
- Will be used to help develop their handheld probe to improve breast cancer operation outcomes
OncoRes Medical aims to alleviate the need for repeated surgeries on breast cancer patients. The new funding from the WA state government will aid in their world-class medical device research, allowing for the development of the Nedlands-based facility supporting local jobs.
OncoRes develop imaging technology that will help prevent incomplete tumor removal during surgery. According to OncoRes one in five lumpectomy surgeries (removal of part but not all of the breast tissue) requires repeated operations. As a result, many best cancer patients suffer preventable trauma. Repeated surgeries are a billion-dollar burden on the healthcare system.
OncoRes’ handheld probe is currently in development, for use during surgery. The device will produce high-resolution images of a patient’s tissue. It works in combination with the surgeon’s sense of touch to identify any remaining portions of the tumor.
OncoRes’ medical innovation is focused on the fight against breast cancer. However, according to Dr. Brendan Kennedy, the chief scientific officer at OncoRes, the technology being developed now is just a platform for much more.
“Once we have successfully established market in this area we can move on towards lung cancer, brain cancer and a range of different diseases,” he said.
The Perth startup has already received an array of recognition and reward for their cutting edge research. They gained global acknowledgment as the runner-up of the MedTech Innovator Program. As well this they were the overall winners of the Value Award. They achieved the AusBiotech and Johnson & Johnson Innovation Industry Excellence ‘Emerging Company of the Year’ in 2019. They also won the global Pitch@Palace competition in 2018.
The financial boost comes as a part of the State Governments ‘New Industries Fund’. According to the Innovation and ICT Minister Dave Kelly, “Any technology that reduces the need for repeat surgeries is a significant health and cost-benefit to the patient, and alleviates demand on our hospitals.”
“The fact that we have this sort of technology being invented by WA researchers and universities is a testament to the levels of expertise and innovation in our State.”
West Aussies will be among the first to benefit from the new technology.