Dunedin bladder cancer diagnostic company Pacific Edge has secured its 12th district health board contract, which will cover more than 60% of the country's population.
The United States remains the focus of future commercial success for Pacific Edge, where it has multiple contracts with large insurers and health providers covering tens of millions of prospective customers.
The most recent signing with the Hawke's Bay District Health Board was the 12th New Zealand contract, which meant national coverage was at more than 62% of the population.
The Cx-bladder tests are non-invasive by using a urine sample, for both initial diagnostics and also ongoing monitoring for any disease recurrence, replacing the cystoscopy procedure.
Brent Pownall, vice-president of commercial and franchise for the company said the Hawke's Bay signing was ''another milestone'' for Pacific Edge in New Zealand, which was being followed closely by ''key decision-makers in other markets''.
''We now have strong clinical buy-in for the accuracy, efficacy and utility of Cx-bladder across the clinical pathway for haematuria [blood in urine] and bladder cancer follow-up,'' Mr Pownall said.
The 16-year-old Pacific Edge, which is yet to turn a profit, recently raised $12million in new shares and a shareholder placement plan, which with other cash in hand, is estimated to keep it funded for eight to 17 months.
