EANS-News: DxS and Epigenomics Cross-License Technology for In Vitro Diagnostics
Both companies to use Scorpions® technology for diagnostic products based on DNA methylation
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companies/cooperations/Molecular diagnostics
Press Release, Manchester, UK, and Berlin, Germany, July 20, 2009 (euro adhoc) - DxS Ltd. (Manchester, UK) and Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt, Prime Standard: ECX) today announced that they have cross-licensed certain technologies enabling both companies to develop and commercialise in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products based on DNA methylation that utilise DxS' proprietary Scorpions technology.
The cross-licensing follows a strategic agreement signed by both companies in January 2008. Under the terms of this agreement, Epigenomics had obtained worldwide non-exclusive rights to DxS' Scorpions technology for R&D use and research kits, as well as an option to expand the license to the in vitro diagnostics field. In return, DxS received an option for a worldwide non- exclusive research and IVD license to certain Epigenomics IP covering the use of Scorpions technology for DNA methylation applications. Both companies have now executed their options as granted in last years agreement and have acquired the right to sub-license the respective licensed technologies. Both Epigenomics and DxS have acquired the right to sub-license the respective technologies
Dr Stephen Little, CEO of DxS, explained the unique properties of DxS' standalone technology: "Our Scorpions technology is ideally suited for IVD applications using real-time PCR instrumentation. The probes are highly sensitive, sequence-specific molecules containing a PCR primer covalently linked to a probe. Scorpion probes can provide strong fluorescent signals, excellent sequence discrimination, short reaction times, and predictable probe design. We believe that this technology is ideal for DNA methylation-based IVD products, particularly in oncology."
"With Scorpions technology we have complemented our broad technology portfolio for DNA methylation analysis. This expands our area of freedom to operate and give us maximum flexibility in the final product design and testing platforms for cancer molecular diagnostic products directly commercialised by ourselves as well as by our partners", commented Geert Nygaard, Chief Executive Officer of Epigenomics.
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
About DxS
DxS is a personalised medicine company providing molecular diagnostics to aid doctors and drug companies in selecting therapies for patients. Working in partnership with pharmaceutical companies to support the development and sales of targeted cancer therapies by providing biomarkers and companion diagnostics.
DxS has a continually expanding portfolio of cancer mutation products. The TheraScreen® range of CE-marked clinical diagnostic kits can identify genetic tumour mutations that affect how patients respond to cancer therapies, thus enabling doctors to provide the most beneficial treatment. DxS produces two clinical diagnostic kits, K-RAS and EGFR29.
The TheraScreen: K-RAS Mutation kit is a companion diagnostic for Vectibix® (Amgen) and Erbitux® (Merck KGaA) for the treatment of colorectal cancer. DxS has an exclusive global distribution agreement with Roche Diagnostics for the distribution of the TheraScreen: K-RAS and TheraScreen: EGFR29 Mutation kits.
DxS' pioneering real-time PCR technology Scorpions® is highly regarded for its proven speed and sensitivity, and is combined with ARMS (allele specific PCR) to develop each unique DxS product. This class-leading technology is also available for license to diagnostic companies, for research, or for other varied applications.
DxS is a private, venture capital-backed company operating from the heart of Manchester's Technology Quarter in the UK.
For further information please visit www.dxsdiagnostics.com
About Epigenomics
Epigenomics is a molecular diagnostics company with a focus on the development of novel products for cancer. Using DNA methylation biomarkers, Epigenomics' tests in development aim at diagnosing cancer at an early stage before symptoms occur and thereby may reduce mortality from this dreaded disease.
Epigenomics' product pipeline contains a validated biomarker for the early detection of colorectal cancer in blood plasma, and further proprietary DNA methylation biomarkers at various stages of development for prostate and lung cancer detection in urine, blood and bronchial lavage specimens. Epigenomics' biomarker mSEPT9 for the early detection of colorectal cancer in a simple blood sample has demonstrated continuously highest performance in multiple clinical studies with in total more than 3,000 individuals tested. A large prospective clinical study - PRESEPT - for evaluation of mSEPT9 in a screening population is currently under way (www.presept.net).
For development and global commercialization of in vitro diagnostic test products, Epigenomics pursues a non-exclusive partnering strategy. Strategic diagnostics industry partners include Abbott Molecular, Philips, Sysmex Corporation and Quest Diagnostics Incorporated, for diagnostics test products and services, and QIAGEN N.V. for sample preparation solutions and research products.
Partners in the health care industry and the biomedical research community can access Epigenomics' portfolio of proprietary DNA methylation technologies and biomarkers protected by more than 150 patent families through research products, Biomarker Services, IVD Development Collaborations, and Licensing. The company is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, and has a wholly owned subsidiary in Seattle, WA, U.S.A. For more information, please visit Epigenomics' website at www.epigenomics.com.
DxS' Disclaimer. This news release contains forward-looking statements based on current assumptions and forecasts made by DxS Limited. The company assumes no liability whatsoever to update these forward-looking statements or to conform them to future events or developments.
Epigenomics' Disclaimer. This communication expressly or implicitly contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Epigenomics AG and its business. Such statements involve certain known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which could cause the actual results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Epigenomics AG to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Epigenomics AG is providing this communication as of this date and does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements contained herein as a result of new information, future events or otherwise.
Contacts:
For further information on DxS, please contact:
Sue Charles, Tony Stephenson, Dr John McIntyre College Hill Life Sciences +44 (0)20 7866 7864 DxS@collegehill.com
For further Information on Epigenomics, please contact:
Dr. Achim Plum Sen. VP Corporate Development Epigenomics AG +49 30 24345 368 pr@epigenomics.com
end of announcement euro adhoc
Further inquiry note:
Epigenomics AG
Dr. Achim Plum
Sen. VP Corporate Development
Tel: +49 30 24345 368
achim.plum@epigenomics.com
Branche: Biotechnology
ISIN: DE000A0BVT96
WKN: A0BVT9
Index: Prime All Share, Technologie All Share
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