(PRESS RELEASE) RALEIGH — Biotech startup Oncotect is announcing the launch of its pioneering early cancer screening kit for dogs, for use by veterinary care teams and pet parents alike. This is the first product of its kind to be available online for pet parents at home for an affordable price and without the need for any invasive procedures.
This product couldn’t come at a more crucial time. In the United States alone there are over 84 million dogs. There are so many dogs, in fact, that now more American households have dogs than children. Sadly, cancer is the leading cause of death among dogs, with a staggering 6 to 10 million new diagnoses each year. While one in three dogs will develop cancer in their lifetime, diagnosis doesn’t have to mean death. The key to fighting cancer and extending the lives of our pets lies in early detection.
But current testing methods, such as biopsies, ultrasounds, and X-rays, while effective at diagnosis, are often prohibitively expensive or impractical for early screening. Additionally, blood tests require a hospital visit, creating a barrier to timely testing.
This is why Oncotect’s early cancer screening kit is revolutionary for pet parents and veterinarians alike. It boasts the following key advantages:
- Accessibility and Affordability: Available to both veterinarians and everyday pet parents, this revolutionary kit provides the best chance of early detection and treatment for under $250.
- Non-invasive: The test requires only a small urine sample, eliminating the stress and discomfort associated with more invasive screening methods.
- Rapid Results: Within just seven days, pet owners receive a clear risk assessment, categorizing their furry companions as low, moderate, or high risk of the four most common types of canine cancers (melanoma, lymphoma, mast cell tumor and hemangiosarcoma). Additionally, Oncotect offers guidance to veterinarians and pet parents regarding the appropriate next steps based on the results.
In anticipation of the release of the test kit, founder and CEO Chan Namgong said, “We are extremely excited to launch a game-changing solution that’s both simple and practical for at-home use. We are not only making a difference in the lives of dogs, but in the lives of their pet parents who depend on them so much emotionally and mentally.”
Oncotect’s patent-pending technology relies on the hyper-sensitive olfactory neuron of the C. elegans species of nematodes. These are microscopic worms capable of detecting cancer metabolites when exposed to urine containing them. This methodology has been backed by scientific clinical research and published in the peer-reviewed journal Frontiers In Veterinary Science.
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Since its founding in 2020, Oncotect has secured over $360,000 in funding, with investments from esteemed organizations such as Leap Venture Studio, the North Carolina Biology Center, and NCIDEA. Oncotect’s leadership and advisory team comprise general practice veterinarians, scientists, and entrepreneurs dedicated to advancing early cancer detection in companion animals through cutting-edge research.
Veterinarian Dr. Page Wages, who has used Oncotect tests in initial trials, has said, “Oncotect has definitely changed how I practice medicine. I wish everyone else would catch on. Not only is it great for initial detection, but my team and I have also used it to monitor cancers after treatments like tumor removals. It really gives pet owners peace of mind.”
For veterinarians and pet parents eager to access this revolutionary early cancer screening kit, ordering is as simple as visiting oncotect.co. Investing in Oncotect is investing in the gift of more time with your dogs.
About Oncotect
Oncotect is a Raleigh-based biotech startup committed to pioneering early screening of cancer risks in dogs. Oncotect is the only urine-based, non-invasive, convenient, affordable and accessible multi-cancer screening test for dogs.
