2 December 2010, Melbourne: HealthLinx Limited (ASX:HTX) has...

2 December 2010, Melbourne: HealthLinx Limited (ASX:HTX) has signed binding terms sheets with the largest and most established clinical reference laboratory in South Korea, Seoul Clinical Laboratories (SCL) for the distribution of OvPlexTM in South Korea.

Distribution of OvPlexTM will be able to begin upon approval from the South Korea Food and Drug Administration (KFDA) following the successful completion of the 220 patient study that began earlier this year. The terms of the deal will result in SCL co-funding part of the study and SCL will obtain an exclusive clinical license to distribute OvPlexTM in South Korea.
Seoul Clinical Laboratories (SCL) was launched in 1983 as Korea's pioneer laboratory in clinical pathology. Continuously pursuing its three core values in quality, service and research, SCL today stands as Korea's representative reference laboratory, taking a leading role in the fields of clinical diagnostics and various technology in special analytics.

Signing binding terms sheets with a distribution partner of the calibre and reputation of SCL is what HealthLinx strives to achieve in all our distribution jurisdictions said HealthLinx managing director Nick Gatsios. SCL has a long history of providing quality pathology services to South Korean and other markets and as such, has significant and well established distribution networks which will be of great advantage to ensuring that OvPlexTM reaches the highest number of women possible in South Korea.
The South Korean market for ovarian cancer diagnostics is approximately 250,000 tests annually with the disease experiencing approximately 15% annual growth. In 2004 ovarian cancer was not rated as one of the top 10 cancers however in 2009 it ranked as the 7th most prevalent and it is predicted that it will be 4th most prevalent by 2015. This translates as a significant opportunity for HealthLinx and its partners.

The 220 patient trial is being conducted by Principal Investigator Professor Byoung-Gie Kim of Samsung Medical Center and Sungkyunkwan (SKK) University School of Medicine. SKK University is one of South Koreas most prestigious institutions while Professor Kim is also director of the Gynaecological Cancer Center at Samsung Medical Center and an opinion leader on gynaecological cancer.

2010 has been a tremendously successful year for HealthLinx in Asia with the launch of OvPlexTM in Singapore as well as starting the year by winning the Biospectrum Asia Product of the Year Award 2010.