DNA Wellness secures exclusive rights for DNA Ploidy Test to combat cervical cancer

DNA Wellness India announced the acquisition of exclusive rights to carry out the DNA Ploidy Test, a diagnostic tool developed by the British Columbia Cancer Research Agency, Canada. The test, also known by the brand name, CERViSure, is a quick, accurate, and non-invasive method to detect cervical cancer. Alongside, the company also launched India’s first CERViSure laboratory in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, which will provide easy access to cervical cancer screening to people here. Priced at Rs 5,500, the test can be an essential tool for cervical cancer prevention.

Founded in November 2020 and headquartered in Ahmedabad, Gujarat, DNA Wellness works in the area of detecting genetic instability to improve patient outcomes for screening of diseases. With a focused mission of achieving a ‘Cervical Cancer-Free India’, the company has introduced the DNA Ploidy Test under the brand name CERViSure test to the Indian market, through the invention of British Columbia Cancer Research Agency, Canada.

A report from the company states that the CERViSure test can help identify cancerous cells, about two years before conventional methods. The test also comes with greater accuracy with 100 per cent specificity and 98 per cent sensitivity.

It is performed by collecting a mucosal sample from the cervix using a specially designed non-invasive brush. The sample is then processed and analysed with AI-backed software, which compares the results of the test against a database of over 50 million patient samples to ensure high accuracy.

Commenting on the launch of CERViSure, Pathik Bhandari, Co-founder, DNA Wellness, said, “Going forward, DNA wellness will invest Rs 200 crore to set up some 100 dedicated CERViSure laboratories across India, in a phased manner by 2027, to help the DNA Ploidy reach a maximum number of patients. By October 2024, the company will open dedicated laboratories in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot and Surat.”

This will be followed by strategic expansions in other Indian states. DNA Wellness plans to collaborate with hospitals, clinics, and doctors to expand access to the DNA Ploidy Test, aiming to make it available nationwide.

The CERViSure test is recommended at least once in three years for women between 20 and 60 years of age. 

Cervical cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women in India, with some 1.3 lakh new cases and 80,000 deaths reported every year. The most common factors that increase the risk of cervical cancer include a long-standing HPV infection especially due to a weakened immune system, obesity, smoking, use of contraceptive medications and giving birth to multiple children. While cervical cancer can be prevented, HPV vaccination and regular screening are highly recommended, suggest medical experts.

CERViSure addresses this by providing an advanced screening option that can detect cancerous changes earlier and more accurately than traditional methods. The existing screening mechanisms cover PAP Smears (which have a sensitivity between 40-55 per cent) and HPV DNA testing, which not only detects the presence of HPV infection – an indicator of high cervical cancer risk.

Dr Anjana Chauhan, Gynec Oncologist, said, “Cervical cancer remains one of the most prevalent cancers among women in India, yet it is also one of the most preventable ones. Early detection is critical to saving lives, and the introduction of the DNA Ploidy Test as part of the CERViSure initiative is a significant advancement. With its high sensitivity and specificity, this test enables us to detect precancerous changes long before they develop into cervical cancer, giving women the opportunity for timely intervention and thus prevention. As we see rising incidences of cervical cancer, such innovations go a long way in improving outcomes and moving us closer to a future where no woman has to face this disease unchecked.”