Download MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY INNOVATORS: GENETIC

MEDICAL TECHNOLOGY INNOVATORS: GENETIC TECHNOLOGIES
The Australian medical technologies sector has a reputation for innovation and quality. The Australian
companies in this industry are at the forefront of developing ground-breaking products to improve the
health and well-being of global communities. With significant investment in research and development
and high-value manufacturing – the industry is situated perfectly to take advantage of Australia’s
competitive strengths to export niche products to the global market.
Founded in 1989, Genetic Technologies Ltd is a Victorianbased diagnostics business specialising in cancer
diagnostics and women’s health. In mid-2011 Genetic
Technologies Ltd launched a breast cancer risk prediction test
(BREVAGen™) into the North American market.
A clearer picture of breast cancer risk
Breast cancer is the most common cancer affecting women. Assessing a woman’s risk of breast cancer
is an essential first step in guiding future prevention strategies, which may range from lifestyle changes,
to prophylactic surgery.
To help women better understand their risk of developing breast cancer, Genetic Technologies
developed BREVAGen™, an oral swab test designed to provide an assessment of breast cancer risk for
women.
BREVAGen™ calculates an individual’s genetic risk of breast cancer by detecting differences in seven
specific genetic markers. Knowledge of breast cancer risks, taken together with the risks and benefits of
the intervention, can be used to choose an appropriate disease management strategy.
Benefits of collaboration
Genetic Technologies has highlighted three key factors which have contributed to its success.
Collaboration with local research networks:
Collaboration between industry and academia is essential in today’s world. Access to local
epidemiological and statistical expertise at the University of Melbourne has allowed recent scientific
discoveries to be incorporated into Genetic Technologies' product development pipeline. The
relationships developed during this process will be invaluable as the company seeks to develop longerterm collaborative research projects.
Collaboration with international research networks to facilitate expansion in international
markets:
As Genetic Technologies is embarking on developing a breast cancer
risk prediction test for the North American market, it has recently
formed a close collaboration with the University of Arkansas Medical
School. The partnership will play an essential role in expanding Genetic
Technologies' reach in the North American market.
Consultation with relevant external stakeholders:
By working with doctors and scientists, who perform risk assessments
for breast cancer on a daily basis, in multiple high-profile cancer
institutes in the United States, Genetic Technologies is striving to
ensure that its new products match customers' needs. Building up a
collaborative relationship with these experts at this early stage is
essential for a seamless delivery of new products to important endusers.
This case study is based on information from Genetic Technologies and was
developed with the assistance of AusBiotech. For further information visit
www.gtglabs.com.