Agreement follows launch of Epigenomics’ mSEPT9 diagnostic in Europe.
Epigenomics share price nudged up 6% on the announcement of a nonexclusive licensing deal covering mSEPT9 (septin 9 DNA) biomarker with Arup Laboratories. Arup will use the biomarker for the development and commercialization of a molecular-based laboratory test to help in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer from patient’s blood samples.
Arup is the second company to license mSEPT9 for a molecular blood diagnostic for colorectal cancer. In February 2008 Epigenomics licensed the biomarker to Quest Diagnostics for development of a reference laboratory test in the U.S.
In June Epigemomics announced the launch of its own blood test for mSEPT9-based colorectal cancer by Swiss Viollier. The Swiss private diagnostic laboratory is offering the test to patients, general practitioners, and gastroenterologists.
Abbott Laboratories, meanwhile, obtained a worldwide nonexclusive license in 2007 to the marker for the development of in vitro diagnostic test kit products. A first IVD test kit for mSEPT9 is expected to launch in Europe by the end of 2009.
Additionally, in January Epigenomics signed an evaluation deal with Japanese company Sysmex for an mSEPT9 colorectal cancer test.
