Don E. Fowler
President & CEO
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Navaux has developed several non-invasive assays capable of detecting circulating levels of key blood proteins linked to various diseases. Hepsin, for example, has been extensively cited in the preclinical and clinical literature (> 500 publications) as a cancer-associated molecule involved in the very earliest stages of cancer development and progression to metastatic disease. Using our proprietary technology, circulating hepsin levels can be evaluated in real-time, thus providing physicians with insight into the possibility of early tumor formation. Our technology provides a unique avenue for the detection of cancer prior to the appearance of clinical symptoms.
Genetic Testing
With the advent of direct-to-consumer genetic testing, consumers now have unprecedented access to predictive information that raises awareness regarding their potential to develop devastating cancers. Navaux offers patients easy access to an affordable external lab test capable of detecting cancer in its earliest stages.
Navaux is currently pursuing R&D through our pipeline of discoveries that will have a major impact on the following disease states:
We ultimately aim to uncover the potential of our monoclonal antibodies as therapeutics for the treatment of cancers.
Dr. O’Brien worked in the field of gynecological oncology for over 35 years at the University of Southern California and UAMS. Dr. O’Brien authored more than 80 peer-reviewed papers, 28 U.S. patents, and ten pending patent applications.
Together with colleagues, Dr. O’Brien pushed the boundaries of metastatic disease research, following his legacy as one of the leaders in early on-set ovarian cancer detection research. One of O’Brien’s most notable accomplishments was his discovery that a gene known as CA125 can identify the presence of ovarian cancer cells. His work was patented – the first patent ever for UAMS – and was licensed to a Pennsylvania biotechnology company. The company marketed a CA125 diagnostic kit, which is now the most commonly used test for ovarian cancer around the world. In 2004, he was given the Abbott Award for lifetime contributions to advances in ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment.
During his career, he was a member of the Rice Scientific Advisory Committee (2009), President of the Arkansas Biotechnology Association (1993), Executive Director and founder of Arkansas Bio Ventures (1997), and Associate Editor of Tumor Biology (1998). He was also a Board Member of Safe Foods, Inc. (2000), a Board Member of the International Society of Oncodevelopmental Biology and Medicine (ISOBM) (2003), an Advisory Board Member of CanAg Diagnostics, AB, Gothenburg, Sweden (2003), Founder and CEO of Stage I Diagnostics (2004), Board Member of the Swedish American Chambers of Commerce Board of Directors (2005), Head of the Task Force Metropolitan Little Rock Biotech Infrastructure (2005), member of the Steering Committee for Accelerate Arkansas (2006) and Board Member of DCV Technologies. Dr. O’Brien was a named inventor on 54 USA patents and 28 international patents and published in 97 Peer Review Journal Publications.
Navaux honors the legacy of Dr. O’Brien by continuing their dedication to cancer detection research. ACTIVH is one of the many ways that Dr. O’Brien has empowered Navaux to follow in his footsteps.
