Company
ocCure´s goal is to improve the diagnostics and therapy of ovarian cancer. The young biotechnology company focuses on the discovery, validation, and marketing of novel genetic features using established analytical technologies. The company was founded in November 2007 in Berlin and is located in Potsdam, Germany.
Ovarian Cancer
Each year over 200,000 women are diagnosed with ovarian cancer worldwide. The 5-year survival of ovarian cancer is only 35-45%. Its poor prognosis is chiefly due to a typically very late diagnosis and an inefficient therapy.
Ovarian cancer is not called the "silent killer" without reason; 70% of ovarian tumors are detected in a very late stage. Typically the disease shows no specific symptoms and therefore stays undiscovered for a long time. However, ovarian cancer can be cured if detected early; the 5-year survival of stage 1 cancers is above 90%.
After surgery and removal of the tumor, ovarian cancer is treated with a platinum-based chemotherapy. Many women respond well to therapy but for about 40% of the patients the standard therapy is not efficient and results in an early relapse. These patients should be identified before treatment and receive alternative medication.
ocCure´s goal is to help ovarian cancer patients through the development of novel diagnostic products and thereby lay the foundations for an effective cure of the deadly disease. As a first step, we are working on a screening test and a platinum response prediction test for ovarian cancer. The screening test will allow detection of the tumor in a curable, early stage. The platinum response prediction test will enable doctors and patients to choose the best possible therapy.
