Co-Diagnostics and CoSara to Host Groundbreaking HPV and Cancer Symposium in India

Co-Diagnostics and CoSara to Host Groundbreaking HPV and Cancer Symposium

On March 4, 2025, Baroda, India will play host to a pivotal symposium focused on HPV and its connection to cancer, as Co-Diagnostics, Inc. (NASDAQ: CODX) and its joint venture partner, CoSara Diagnostics Pvt. Ltd., join forces to confront a pressing global health issue. The event is set to coincide with International HPV Awareness Day, a day dedicated to raising awareness about the HPV virus and its severe health implications.

Objectives and Importance of the Symposium

The symposium, titled "HPV and Cancer: Exploring Advances in Prevention and Care," will gather an impressive lineup of speakers, including representatives from both Co-Dx and CoSara, as well as leading experts in oncology and cancer diagnostics from across India. This event aims not only to inform participants about the latest advancements in HPV research and cancer prevention strategies but also to stimulate dialogue among healthcare professionals about the urgent need for improved access to diagnostics and vaccinations, particularly in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), high-risk HPV types are responsible for approximately 5% of all cancer cases worldwide, which highlights the importance of such awareness initiatives. Among these, cervical cancer remains a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women, particularly in LMICs where healthcare resources can be scarce. In 2022, the WHO estimated that around 350,000 women succumbed to cervical cancer, with the vast majority of these deaths occurring in regions with limited access to medical care and preventive services.

Innovative Approaches to Screening and Prevention

Co-Diagnostics is on a mission to change this landscape with the development of an innovative HPV multiplex test designed to enhance early detection and screening capabilities. Utilizing their proprietary Co-Dx Co-Primers® technology, the test aims to identify multiple high-risk HPV subtypes from cervical swab samples, facilitating quicker diagnostics and enabling timely treatment. This technology is particularly crucial for women in LMICs where traditional screening practices may not be accessible.

CEO Dwight Egan emphasized the vital role early diagnosis plays in not only improving treatment outcomes but also in empowering patients to engage in regular health screenings. He stated, "We are pleased with the progress we have made on the HPV multiplex test and the preliminary performance data seen so far, and we are honored to participate with our joint venture partner in this symposium to raise awareness of this important health concern."

CoSara's CEO, Mohal Sarabhai, echoed this sentiment, highlighting the joint venture's commitment to increasing access to high-quality diagnostics for infectious diseases. The initiative seeks to connect specialists in the fields of HPV and cancer to foster a collaborative environment focused on disease prevention and health advancement.

Collaborative Future in HPV Screening

As a noteworthy step forward, CoSara has received clearance from the Indian Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) for its Saragene® Human Papillomavirus-High Risk real-time PCR test, which is now approved for use in clinical labs throughout India. This test is a key component in fulfilling the mission of expanding access to effective screening solutions for high-risk HPV variants, which can significantly alter the trajectory of cervical cancer outcomes.

The joint efforts of Co-Diagnostics and CoSara exemplify the importance of partnerships in addressing global health challenges, as they prepare for a future where high-quality HPV diagnostics are accessible to everyone, regardless of their geographic or economic status. The symposium will serve as a platform to educate, engage, and empower participants to take action against HPV-related health risks.

In conclusion, the upcoming symposium symbolizes not only an important educational opportunity but also a critical moment to galvanize support and outreach aimed at reducing the incidence of HPV and related cancers. By fostering collaborative discussions and promoting innovative solutions, we can strive toward a world where healthcare equity is a reality, and the burden of HPV-related diseases is significantly alleviated.