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Epigenomics AG and DxS Ltd. Enter Into Strategic Cross-Licensing Agreement
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| Date: Monday, 14.01.2008 |
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- Standard-setting in DNA methylation on Epigenomics technology continues
- Enhanced flexibility for commercial test development for DxS and Epigenomics
Press Release, Berlin, Germany, and Manchester, UK, |
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Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt, Prime Standard: ECX) and DxS Ltd. (Manchester, UK) today announced that they have entered into a strategic cross-licensing agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Epigenomics obtains worldwide non-exclusive rights to DxS’ proprietary Scorpions® technology for R&D use and research kits, as well as an option to expand the license to the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) field. Epigenomics intends to use this technology both in certain research kits as well as potentially in its cancer specialty diagnostics products. DxS in return receives an option for a worldwide non-exclusive license and further options to certain Epigenomics IP covering the use of Scorpions® technology for DNA methylation applications. Both Epigenomics and DxS have acquired options to sub-licensing rights for the respective technologies.
Further details and financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“Through this strategic technology cross-licensing agreement with DxS, with the first products based on DNA methylation coming to market in the near future, we took yet another important step towards establishing a unified industry standard for DNA methylation detection, complementing our MethyLight and HeavyMethyl® patent portfolios,” stated Dr. Kurt Berlin, Chief Scientific Officer of Epigenomics. “We also have complemented our broad technology portfolio to have freedom to operate and maximum flexibility in final product design and testing platforms for ourselves as well as our partners.”
“Our Scorpions technology is ideally suited for cancer in vitro diagnostics using real-time PCR instrumentation”, commented Dr Stephen Little, Chief Executive Officer at DxS. “The probes are highly sensitive, sequence–specific molecules containing a PCR primer covalently linked to a probe. Scorpion probes can provide strong fluorescent signals, sequence discrimination, short reaction times, and predictable probe design. The nature of the Scorpions reaction means that it is suited for quantitative, real-time PCR analysis. We believe that this technology is ideal for DNA methylation based in vitro diagnostic products such as the ones developed by Epigenomics.”
About DNA Methylation
DNA methylation is a natural and tightly controlled biological process that serves the regulation of genes and the stability of the human genome. Cytosine, one of the four bases in DNA, can be modified by the covalent addition of a methyl group. DNA methylation in gene regulatory regions (i.e. gene promoters) helps control gene activity. Every cell type has its unique DNA methylation “fingerprint” that changes in various normal biological processes and in many diseases, in particular cancer. In our opinion, DNA methylation thus provides a rich source for highly specific biomarkers for organ-specific disease diagnosis, classification and prediction for therapeutic intervention.
About DxS Ltd.
DxS is a personalised medicine company providing molecular diagnostics to aid doctors and drug companies in selecting therapies for patients. TheraScreen® is the range of cancer mutation diagnostic products, which include kits that detect mutations in the EGFR gene. Tumour mutation products are available for research use for EGFR, RAS, RAF and other genes associated with cancer drug responses. DxS also offers a tumour mutation assay service.
DxS’ real-time PCR technology, Scorpions® utilises its speed and sensitivity and underpins the products and services. This class-leading technology is also available for licence to diagnostic companies, for research, applied and other applications. For further information please visit www.dxsdiagnostics.com.
About Epigenomics AG
Epigenomics is a molecular diagnostics company with a focus on the development of novel products for cancer. Using DNA methylation biomarkers, Epigenomics’ tests can potentially diagnose cancer at an early stage and help guide physicians to select an appropriate therapy. Epigenomics' defined business strategy covers two complementary core business areas:
The company develops diagnostic screening tests for the early detection of cancer. Based on body fluid samples (e.g. blood and urine), these tests are aimed at finding cancer at an early stage before symptoms occur. Epigenomics’ product pipeline contains a validated biomarker panel 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 body fluids. Epigenomics aims at giving patients and doctors early access to these biomarkers through reference laboratory testing services. For development and global commercialization as in vitro diagnostic test kits, Epigenomics pursues a non-exclusive partnering strategy with diagnostics industry companies. As a first strategic partner, Abbott Molecular, Inc. licensed the worldwide non-exclusive rights to Epigenomics’ proprietary Septin 9 biomarker for colorectal cancer.
As a second core business area, Epigenomics develops specialty diagnostics for individuals at high risk for cancer and cancer patients. These tests include surveillance applications of our colorectal cancer biomarkers and a tissue-based prognostic cancer molecular classification test for prostate cancer patients. Our tissue-based prostate cancer application is developed in strategic partnerships with Qiagen GmbH (pre-analytics) and Affymetrix, Inc. (diagnostic device platform). The biomarkers for cancer specialty diagnostic applications will be made available through testing services in centralized reference laboratories. Epigenomics retains the flexibility to decide on further commercialization as in vitro diagnostic test kits in Europe.
Pharma, diagnostics and biotech partners can access Epigenomics’ portfolio of proprietary DNA methylation technologies and biomarkers protected by more than 150 patent families (granted patents and patent applications) through Biomarker Services, IVD Development Collaborations, and Licensing. The company is headquartered in Berlin, Germany, and has a wholly owned subsidiary in Seattle, WA, USA. For more information, please visit Epigenomics’ website at www.epigenomics.com.
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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.
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