Agilus introduces Claudin 18.2 test for precise cancer diagnosis, ET HealthWorld
Mumbai: Agilus Diagnostics has introduced the Claudin 18.2 test, a diagnostic tool aimed at advancing cancer care in India. This development comes in the context of gastric cancer, which ranks as the fifth most common cancer in men and the seventh in women across the country.
Gastric cancer is the fifth most common cancer among men and seventh most common cancer among women in India. The disease’s aggressive nature and the limited availability of effective therapeutic options highlight the importance of innovative diagnostic methods. Gastric cancer is also the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths among Indian men and women aged 15 to 44, underscoring the urgent need for improved approaches in diagnosis and treatment.
The Claudin 18.2 test is a highly specialized diagnostic tool, offering precise identification of the Claudin 18.2 protein, a crucial biomarker for gastric, pancreatic, and other cancers. By providing precise identification of this biomarker, this test empowers oncologists with critical insights, aiding in the identification of patients eligible for targeted therapies, improving outcomes in cancer treatment, and fostering personalized medicine.
Speaking on the launch, Dr. Anand K, Managing Director & CEO of Agilus Diagnostics, said, “Claudin 18.2 is an essential biomarker in modern oncology especially for Gastric cancer patients. With an approved targeting antibody, this test not only enhances diagnostic precision but also bridges the gap to personalized medicine. ”
Adding to this, Dr. Kunal Sharma, Associate Director & HOD, Histopathology Center of Excellence at Agilus Diagnostics, commented, “In October 2024, the FDA approved zolbetuximab-clzb, a Claudin 18.2-directed antibody therapy, in combination with chemotherapy, for first-line treatment of adults with advanced HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) cancers that are CLDN18.2-positive. The FDA also approved VENTANA CLDN18 assay as a companion diagnostic test to identify patients eligible for treatment. Agilus Diagnostics’ launch of the FDA approved Claudin 18.2 test in India aligns with these global developments, bringing advanced diagnostic and treatment opportunities to Indian oncology care.”
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