China Grants Patent for Detection of Gastric Cancer

China, with one of the highest incidences of stomach (Gastric) cancer in the world, has granted Pacific Edge Limited (the Company) its patent, Detection of Gastric Cancer patent defines technology that can be used by the Company for the diagnosis of gastric cancer.

The granting of the Company's patent in China is a further addition to the Company's suite of intellectual property that includes accurate tests for the diagnosis and prognosis of several significant cancers including those of the bladder, colorectal, stomach and melanoma.

Earlier this year, Pacific Edge achieved a significant milestone in the commercialisation of its molecular diagnostic technology with regulatory approval to launch Cxbladder, its non-invasive detection test for bladder cancer, in the world's largest health market, the United States. In addition to the recent approval in the USA, Cxbladder is now being marketed in New Zealand and Australia and soon in Spain, which has the world's highest incidence of bladder cancer.

Pacific Edge now has patent rights for its patent Detection of Gastric Cancer, in New Zealand, Australia and Europe in addition to China. Further issuances for this patent are expected in other key geographies in the near future.

Gastric cancer is one of the most frequent cancers in the world only exceed by lung, breast and colorectal cancers. Almost two-thirds of gastric cancer cases and deaths occur in less developed regions, including East Asia and South America. In China, there are approximately 400,000 new cases of gastric cancer a year detected and 300,000 deaths.

Pacific Edge Chief Executive Officer David Darling says investment in intellectual property is a significant annual investment for the Company and underpins the commercial capability of the Company's products.