BCAL Diagnostics Sees Strong Early Demand for Avantect Cancer Tests

Early Commercial Momentum for Avantect Tests

BCAL Diagnostics Limited (ASX – BDX) has taken a significant step forward in its mission to improve early cancer detection with the commercial launch of its Avantect blood-based tests for pancreatic and ovarian cancer. The launch at the Sydney Breast Clinic in January generated over 1,000 registered enquiries, 60 bookings, and 20 completed tests within just eleven days, signalling strong initial market interest.

The company is rapidly expanding access by partnering with Sonic Healthcare to roll out testing across pathology sites in New South Wales, Queensland, and Victoria throughout February. This strategic collaboration leverages existing non-invasive prenatal testing infrastructure, enabling BCAL to scale testing availability efficiently.

Positive Unit Economics and Operational Readiness

BCAL’s pricing model sets the unit test price at $1,495 for individual pancreatic or ovarian cancer tests, and $1,995 for combined testing. At current volumes, this pricing structure is already generating a positive gross margin, an encouraging sign for the company’s commercial viability as volumes grow. Operationally, BCAL has established the necessary laboratory, logistics, and reporting processes to support increasing test volumes, alongside quality assurance and commercial support systems.

Advancing BREASTESTplus and Regulatory Progress

Alongside Avantect, BCAL continues to advance its BREASTESTplus blood test for breast cancer, designed to complement mammography in women with dense breast tissue. Recent Australian clinical data involving 613 women demonstrated 90% sensitivity and a projected negative predictive value of 99.7%, expanding the potential clinical coverage to approximately half of women undergoing breast cancer assessment.

The company is progressing regulatory approval, with expectations to launch an enhanced BREASTESTplus test with broader clinical utility in Australia by the end of June 2026. This milestone could significantly increase the test’s market opportunity and clinician adoption.

Engagement with Advocacy and Policy Makers

BCAL is actively collaborating with national advocacy groups such as Pancare Foundation and Pankind to develop health economic evidence supporting reimbursement pathways. The company’s involvement in upcoming policy discussions, including parliamentary events and meetings with government representatives, highlights its commitment to securing equitable access to early cancer detection technologies.

These efforts are critical as reimbursement remains a key factor in driving widespread adoption and ensuring patients can access these innovative tests without prohibitive costs.

Looking Ahead

For calendar year 2026, BCAL anticipates Avantect test revenues of approximately $300,000, consistent with prior guidance. The company’s near-term priorities focus on expanding clinical site participation, increasing test volumes and geographic reach, supporting clinician education and workflow integration, and advancing reimbursement and distribution discussions.

While initial volumes remain modest, the early signs of demand and operational readiness position BCAL well to build momentum in the competitive early cancer diagnostics market.