BCAL Diagnostics Ltd (ASX:BDX) has accelerated the commercial rollout of its Avantect pancreatic and ovarian early detection blood tests, with the service now available nationally through selected Sonic Healthcare collection centres in New South Wales, Queensland and Victoria, as well as via the Healius pathology network. The company said 91 Avantect tests were performed during the first quarter of commercial operations, generating $88,000 in revenue.
The March quarter also saw BCAL launch its EarlyDetection.com.au digital platform, which the company said had attracted more than 1,900 enquiries from healthcare professionals and patients, pointing to early market interest in its blood-based cancer detection offering.
Medicare reimbursement pathway underway
During the quarter, BCAL submitted an initial application to the Medical Services Advisory Committee seeking Medicare Benefits Schedule reimbursement for its Avantect pancreatic cancer test for at-risk individuals. The company said the submission was backed by clinical validation data and advocacy engagement and marked an important step towards improving access and supporting longer-term adoption in Australia.
BCAL also continued advocacy and government engagement through work with pancreatic cancer groups including Pancare Foundation and Pankind, alongside discussions with clinicians and policymakers aimed at broadening awareness and improving access to early detection diagnostics.
BREASTESTplus 2.0 broadens addressable market
BCAL said development work on next-generation BREASTESTplus 2.0 had been completed during the quarter, with the updated version designed for use across all breast density categories and in women aged 30 and over. That marks a significant expansion from the current test, which has been focused on women with high breast density in the Sydney market.
The company said internal validation showed high sensitivity and high negative predictive value, with the test able to detect signals for early-stage breast cancer including Stage 0 DCIS, Stage 1 and Stage 2 disease. BCAL plans to complete validation and finalisation over coming months, with a national launch targeted for Q1 FY27.
Clinical, board and commercial groundwork builds
As part of its commercial strategy, BCAL said it had expanded clinician education initiatives and was pursuing integrations with Best Practice Software, Medical Director and Genie Healthcare to help embed its tests into routine clinical workflows. The company is also working with leading Australian clinicians to support adoption, evidence generation and market access for its pancreatic and ovarian cancer tests.
BCAL also strengthened its board during the quarter with the appointment of Mark McConnell as a non-executive director effective 1 February 2026, bringing experience in scaling healthcare technology businesses, capital markets and investor engagement.
Cash position and funding outlook
At March 31, 2026, BCAL held cash and cash equivalents of $2.364 million after recording net operating cash outflow of $2.061 million for the quarter. Research and development spending totalled $889,000, while administration and corporate costs came to $913,000. Payments to related parties, covering directors’ fees and consulting fees to directors, were $164,000.
The company also reported $1 million in unused finance facilities at quarter end, taking total available funding to $3.364 million, equivalent to an estimated 1.6 quarters of funding. BCAL said it expects to continue operations and meet its objectives through existing funding avenues, potential further use of its convertible note facility, expected R&D tax offset funding and growing product revenues.