HydroGraph Partners with Hawkeye Bio to Power Novel Graphene Biosensor Solution for LEAP™ Lung Cancer Test from Ease Healthcare

New Commercial Partnership Demonstrates Medical Potential of HydroGraph Ultra-Pure Graphene for Medical Testing Applications

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Aug. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HydroGraph Inc. (CSE: HG) (OTCQB: HGRAF) (“HydroGraph”), a leading producer of ultra-pure graphene, today announced its role in a new lung cancer screening product underpinning a collaboration between Hawkeye Bio (Torrance, California) and Ease Healthcare (Pasadena, California). Under a new commercialization agreement, Ease Healthcare will market the LEAP (Lung Enzyme Activity Profile) early detection test that incorporates HydroGraph’s patented fractal graphene.

LEAP is a non-invasive, radiation-free, and highly sensitive blood test designed to detect early signs of lung cancer, even in asymptomatic patients, and across all subtypes. Initially targeting high-risk populations including older smokers, military personnel, firefighters, and first responders, the test has demonstrated a 99.8% negative predictive value, significantly improving early detection outcomes.

HydroGraph’s explosion synthesis technology produces ultra-pure graphene that forms the foundation of Hawkeye Bio’s patented biosensor which measures enzymatic activity associated with inflammatory disease—a key biomarker in early-stage cancer detection.

“This partnership underscores the medical potential of high-purity graphene,” said Kjirstin Breure, President and CEO of HydroGraph. “Our ability to deliver graphene at scale supports groundbreaking diagnostics like Hawkeye’s biosensors and Ease’s LEAP test, ultimately saving lives through earlier detection and intervention.”

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths, with the American Cancer Society estimating nearly 125,000 deaths and 227,000 new cases in the U.S. in 2025. Screening compliance remains low, with between 2% and 6% of at-risk individuals undergoing recommended low-dose CT scans annually, despite evidence that early detection is associated with significantly better five-year survival rates.

“In addition to tobacco use, exposure to environmental pollutants and workplace carcinogens can significantly increase one’s risk of getting lung cancer,” said André de Fusco, CEO and co-founder of Hawkeye Bio. “Improved compliance with lung cancer screening guidelines may lead to earlier detection and improve radiotherapy and surgical outcomes. Our nano-scale graphene biosensors allow Ease Healthcare to bring LEAP testing to primary care physicians as a cost-effective diagnostic solution they can use in routine medical visits.”

Hawkeye Bio is the first company to manufacture nanoscale graphene biosensors for clinical cancer detection and holds global patents across the U.S., UK, EU, Japan, Korea, Hong Kong, and Taiwan. The company aims to substantially reduce lung cancer mortality by offering a patient-safe, affordable solution to achieve population-scale lung cancer screening compliance for at-risk individuals.

Presently 15-19.3 million individuals in the US should be screened annually for lung cancer. Hawkeye Bio projects this eligible population to increase as national screening guidelines evolve to incorporate additional risk factors beyond smoking history. Future LEAP platforms will plan to address 14 cancers, neurodegenerative disease (Alzheimer’s) and inflammatory conditions such as Multiple Sclerosis.

About Hawkeye Bio
Hawkeye Bio is a clinical-stage biotechnology company developing low-cost diagnostic tests for early detection of cancer, neurodegenerative, and inflammatory diseases. Using a patented biosensor technology, the company measures misregulated proteolytic enzymes linked to conditions such as cancer, arthritis, and cardiovascular disease. Its first program, the LEAP test for early lung cancer detection, has shown a 99.8% negative predictive value, is compatible with standard lab practices, and is 100% patient-safe. Hawkeye Bio operates in Torrance, California, and Dublin, Ireland. Learn more at hawkeyebio.com.

About HydroGraph
HydroGraph is a leading producer of pristine graphene using an “explosion synthesis” process, which allows for exceptional purity, low energy use, and identical batches. The quality, performance, and consistency of HydroGraph’s graphene meets the Graphene Council’s Verified Graphene Producer® standards, which very few companies worldwide achieve. For more information or to learn about the HydroGraph story, visit: https://hydrograph.com/. For company updates, please follow HydroGraph on LinkedIn and X.

Trademarks: HydroGraph™ and Fractal Graphene™

Forward-Looking Statements
This release contains certain “forward-looking statements” and certain “forward-looking information” as defined under applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements and information can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “expect”, “intend”, “estimate”, “upon”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “continue”, “plans” or similar terminology. 

Forward-looking statements and information include, but are not limited to: statements in respect of the Private Placement, the use of the net proceeds from the Private Placement, the timing and ability of the Company to close the Private Placement, if at all, the gross proceeds of the Private Placement, the timing and ability of the Company to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals, if at all, and the terms and jurisdictions of the Private Placement; the statements in regards to existing and future products of the Company; the Company’s future personnel appointments; the Company’s plans and strategies. 

Forward-looking statements and information are based on forecasts of future results, estimates of amounts not yet determinable, and assumptions that, while believed by management to be reasonable, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. Forward-looking statements and information are subject to various known and unknown risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the ability of HydroGraph to control or predict, that may cause HydroGraph’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied thereby, and are developed based on assumptions about such risks, uncertainties and other factors set out herein, including but not limited to: HydroGraph’s ability to implement its business strategies; risks associated with general economic conditions; adverse industry events; stakeholder engagement; marketing and transportation costs; loss of markets; volatility of commodity prices; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favorable terms; industry and government regulation; changes in legislation, income tax and regulatory matters; competition; currency and interest rate fluctuations; and other risks. HydroGraph does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. Such forward-looking information represents management’s best judgment based on information currently available. 

No forward-looking statement can be guaranteed, and actual future results may vary materially. Accordingly, readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:
Kjirstin Breure – President & CEO, HydroGraph
kjirstin@hydrograph.com
480-267-2556

Media Contact
Len Fernandes
Firecracker PR for HydroGraph
len@firecrackerpr.com
818-317-4687

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:
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