Biotech firm uses tiny worms in pancreatic cancer test

Hirotsu Bio Science Chief Technical Officer Eric Di Luccio examines nematodes in a petri dish during a photo opportunity at the company's lab in Fujisawa, Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan November 28, 2022. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

TOKYO: A Japanese biotech firm says it has developed the world’s first early screening test for pancreatic cancer, using the powerful noses of tiny worms.

Hirotsu Bio Science this month launched its N-NOSE plus Pancreas test, marketing directly to consumers in Japan and with aims to bring the test to the United States by 2023.