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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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Corporate news transmitted by euro adhoc. The issuer/originator is solely
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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
[email protected]
For further Information on Epigenomics, please contact:
Dr. Achim Plum
Sen. VP Corporate Development
Epigenomics AG
+49 30 24345 368
[email protected]
Further inquiry note:
Epigenomics AG
Dr. Achim Plum
Sen. VP Corporate Development
Tel: +49 30 24345 368
[email protected]
end of announcement euro adhoc
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emitter: Epigenomics AG
Kleine Präsidentenstraße 1
D-10178 Berlin
phone: +49 30 24345-0
FAX: +49 30 24345-555
mail: [email protected]
WWW: www.epigenomics.com
sector: Biotechnology
ISIN: DE000A0BVT96, DE000A0XFWF2
indexes: Prime All Share, Technologie All Share
stockmarkets: regulated dealing/prime standard: Frankfurt, free trade: Berlin,
Hamburg, Stuttgart, Düsseldorf, München
language: English
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