Lucid Diagnostics has partnered with VITALExam to improve access to its EsoGuard Esophageal DNA Test for firefighters at risk of oesophageal precancer.
VITALExam, led by CEO Marci Vitale, is a medical care provider for first responders.
The company offers a range of services, including cancer screenings, comprehensive physicals, and behavioural health assessments.
VITALExam utilises advanced technology and evidence-based practices to deliver care focused on optimising the wellness of first responders.
This collaboration supports Lucid Diagnostics’ expanded direct contracting initiative to drive near-term EsoGuard revenue.
Vitale said: “This partnership enables us to offer cutting-edge precancer screening to the brave individuals who put their lives on the line daily.
“At VITALExam, we’re passionate about early detection and empowering first responders to prioritise their health.
“By introducing EsoGuard testing into our annual wellness programme for Tuscaloosa Fire Rescue, we are making these exams more comprehensive and impactful, furthering our shared mission of saving lives through early detection.”
Lucid Diagnostics, a commercial-stage cancer prevention medical diagnostics company, is a subsidiary of PAVmed. The company focuses on patients with gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), or chronic heartburn, who are at risk of oesophageal precancer and cancer.
The company’s EsoGuard Esophageal DNA Test, combined with the EsoCheck Esophageal Cell Collection Device, is said to be the first commercially available solution aimed at preventing cancer through early detection of oesophageal precancer in at-risk patients. This test is performed via a brief, non-invasive office procedure.
EsoGuard Esophageal DNA Test initially received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) breakthrough status in February 2020.
In November 2023, the medical diagnostics company introduced the next generation of the EsoGuard Esophageal DNA test (EsoGuard 2.0) for oesophageal precancer detection.
Earlier this year, Lucid Diagnostics signed a contract with the World Trade Center Health Program (WTCHP) to provide the oesophageal precancer test as a covered benefit to 9/11 responders and survivors.
Lucid Diagnostics president and chief operating officer Shaun O’Neil said: “This collaboration aligns us with a like-minded organisation, strengthens our ability to reach high-risk populations, and enables us to generate contractually-guaranteed revenue through fully-contracted #CheckYourFoodTube Precancer Testing Events.
“We look forward to offering EsoGuard to fire departments in the communities VITALExam serves.”
