Biotech stock jumps as NHS trust rolls out ovarian cancer test

GENinCode shares rose 6 per cent on Thursday after University College London Hospitals (UCLH) became the first NHS trust to introduce its ovarian cancer test.

The AIM-listed company’s stock rose 0.25p to 4.55p after UCLH confirmed it will roll out the Risk of Ovarian Cancer Algorithm (ROCA).

UCLH is offering the service through its Familial Cancer Clinic, in partnership with the North Central London Cancer Alliance.

The test is aimed at women who carry BRCA1 or BRCA2 gene changes.

These inherited mutations raise cancer risk: BRCA1 gives a 44 per cent lifetime chance of ovarian cancer by age 80, while BRCA2 carries a 17 per cent risk.

Preventive surgery to remove fallopian tubes and ovaries is still the most reliable safeguard, but updated guidance from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) supports monitoring for women delaying surgery to preserve fertility or avoid early menopause.

ROCA combines regular blood tests with clinical data to estimate risk.

The system analyses biomarker patterns to improve the likelihood of finding cancer at an earlier stage, when treatment is more effective.

Trials suggest the approach cuts late-stage diagnoses by 44 per cent and could help the NHS save money by detecting cases sooner.

Matthew Walls, chief executive of GENinCode, said the launch was a “significant milestone” and that the firm aims to extend ROCA to other NHS trusts.

Broker Cavendish values the shares at 20p.