NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Novacyt and Cepheid have signed an agreement to introduce a complete human papillomavirus diagnostics system to Latin America.
Under the terms of the three-year, non-exclusive agreement, Cepheid will distribute Novacyt's NOVAprep vial, media, and cervical sample collection device in the region. These will be used in conjunction with the Cepheid Xpert HPV test, either as a primary cervical cancer screening assay or for reflex cytology.
The alliance will target 18 countries in Latin America, an area which has one of the highest incidence rates of cervical cancer in the world, estimated to be 20 to 80 per 100,000 women per year.
"The combination of NOVAprep’s proprietary sample collection and preparation capability together with Cepheid's diagnostic system positions us well for growth in Latin America," Novacyt CEO Graham Mullis said in a statement. "Our unique approach will provide significant benefits to patient risk stratification and we look forward to working with Cepheid in this new market and region for Novacyt."
The Xpert HPV test is CE marked and was launched in Europe in 2014.