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Epigenomics AG Licenses Several Key Technologies to OncoMethylome Sciences S.A.
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| Date: Monday, 14.01.2008 |
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| Berlin, Germany and Liège, Belgium, |
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Epigenomics AG (Frankfurt, Prime Standard: ECX) and OncoMethylome Sciences S.A. (Euronext Brussels: ONCOB, Euronext Amsterdam: ONCOA), today announced that they have entered into a broad technology licensing agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, OncoMethylome obtained worldwide non-exclusive rights to several of Epigenomics’ proprietary core technologies such as its MethyLight portfolio for the sensitive and quantitative detection of DNA methylation for in vitro diagnostic product development and commercialization. Further, OncoMethylome obtained rights to HeavyMethyl® technology, plus certain microarray-based technologies for DNA methylation analysis. In return for the licenses, Epigenomics will receive an up-front payment and is eligible for royalties to be paid on any eventual commercial exploitation of the technologies by OncoMethylome and any of its partners who choose to sublicense such technology. Both companies continue to independently develop their own products and biomarker licenses have not been granted.
Further details and financial terms of the agreement have not been released.
“Through this strategic and broad technology licensing agreement with OncoMethylome, with the first diagnostics tests based on DNA methylation technology reaching the market in the near future, the companies took an important step towards establishing a unified industry standard for DNA methylation detection,” explained Dr. Kurt Berlin, Chief Scientific Officer of Epigenomics.
“This deal enhances our wide portfolio of technologies in the methylation field and gives us the flexibility to develop the best products on a wider range of laboratory equipment,” added Dr. Jim DiGuiseppi, Chief Technology Officer of OncoMethylome. “We expect this deal to accelerate the acceptance of methylation products in routine laboratory use.”
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 disease 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 licensing to reference laboratories for development of in-house laboratory validated assays. For development and global commercialization as in vitro diagnostic test kits, Epigenomics pursues a non-exclusive partnering strategy with diagnostics industry players. As a first strategic partner, Abbott Molecular 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.
Pharma, diagnostics and biotech partners can access Epigenomics’ portfolio of proprietary DNA methylation technologies and biomarkers protected by more than 150 patent families 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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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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