Berlin, Germany, October 7, 2004 - Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt, Prime Standard: ECX), a molecular diagnostic company developing tests based on DNA methylation, announced today that the company has entered into a research collaboration with Biogen Idec (Nasdaq: BIIB) to identify potential biomarkers for use with an oncology program.
Epigenomics will use its proprietary DNA methylation technology to examine candidate biomarkers that may predict responsiveness to the drug. DNA methylation is a biological process responsible for controlling genetic activity that occurs in distinct patterns in cells. Changes in these patterns can act as a marker for diseases such as cancer and for predicting response to drug treatment Under the terms of the agreement, Epigenomics will receive R&D funding and has an opportunity to participate in the development of a potential pharmacodiagnostic product.
"A growing number of companies appreciate that some of the new biological drugs in development may benefit from an accompanying test to help identify those patients that will likely respond best to treatment. In recent months, Epigenomics has signed collaborations with several large pharmaceutical/biotech companies such as Biogen Idec to evaluate our DNA methylation tests for oncology applications," said Christian Piepenbrock, CIO of Epigenomics and Head of its Pharma Technology Strategic Business Unit.
DNA Methylation
Methylation is a natural epigenetic process that occurs when a methyl group binds to one of DNA’s four bases, cytosine. The presence of methylation is responsible for controlling the activity of genes by turning them off, like a switch, when not needed. By measuring the differences in the methylation patterns between healthy and diseased tissue, a change in gene activity that could trigger diseases such as cancer is detected. Epigenomics has developed an industrial process that is able to read and interpret these methylation patterns.
About Epigenomics
Epigenomics is a molecular diagnostic company with a focus on the development of novel products for cancer. By detecting and interpreting DNA methylation patterns, Epigenomics’ tests can potentially diagnose disease at an early stage and help guide physicians to select an appropriate therapy. Epigenomics collaborates with Roche Diagnostics on the development of several diagnostic and pharmacodiagnostic products in cancer. The company has its headquarters in Berlin, Germany, and a wholly owned subsidiary in Seattle, USA. For more information, please visit our website at www.epigenomics.com.
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.
