# Development of a Novel Aqueous Humor-Based Multiplex Assay for Uveal Melanoma Metastatic Risk Prediction

> **NIH NIH R41** · OLMEDA BIOSCIENCES LLC · 2024 · $396,161

## Abstract

Project Summary
Uveal melanoma (UM) is a prevalent intraocular cancer, with approximately 3,000 new cases
annually and an estimated total of 60,000-70,000 affected individuals in the US. This
malignancy poses a distressing reality as around 50% of patients develop metastatic diseases
within 5 years, leading to devastating consequences for patients and healthcare providers.
Current methods for predicting metastasis risk rely on invasive needle biopsies based on gene
expression profiles (GEP), which are performed once and can cause discomfort and
complications. The urgent need to address this challenge calls for the development of an
effective and least invasive prognostic tool that can accurately predict metastatic risk, enhance
safety, and guide treatment decisions worldwide, thereby offering better surveillance for patients
with reduced costs and alleviating their concerns.
To tackle this challenge, we've established a novel approach for predicting metastasis risk using
proteomic analysis of aqueous humor (AH), the clear fluid of the front chamber from eyes. AH
paracentesis, a safe procedure routinely performed in ophthalmology practice for decades,
enabled the identification of differentially expressed proteins in AH samples. With this STTR
Phase 1 application, we aim to develop a fit-for-purpose test based on our innovation, aiming to
provide an easy-to-use pre-clinical test that utilizes safely accessible AH-based protein
biomarkers, ultimately improving prediction accuracy and informing patient care.

## Key facts

- **NIH application ID:** 11006367
- **Project number:** 1R41CA291243-01A1
- **Recipient organization:** OLMEDA BIOSCIENCES LLC
- **Principal Investigator:** Liya Xu
- **Activity code:** R41 (R01, R21, SBIR, etc.)
- **Funding institute:** NIH
- **Fiscal year:** 2024
- **Award amount:** $396,161
- **Award type:** 1
- **Project period:** 2024-09-05 → 2025-08-31

## Primary source

NIH RePORTER: https://reporter.nih.gov/project-details/11006367

## Citation

> US National Institutes of Health, RePORTER application 11006367, Development of a Novel Aqueous Humor-Based Multiplex Assay for Uveal Melanoma Metastatic Risk Prediction (1R41CA291243-01A1). Retrieved via AI Analytics 2026-05-22 from https://api.ai-analytics.org/grant/nih/11006367. Licensed CC0.

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