Clinical Genomics Pty Ltd and The Garvan Institute of Medical Research Enter into Licensing Agreement
By Clinical Genomics Pty Ltd, PRNESunday, September 26, 2010
SYDNEY, September 27, 2010 - Clinical Genomics Pty. Ltd (Sydney, Australia) and The Garvan Institute
of Medical Research (Sydney, Australia) today announced that they have
entered into a license agreement in relation to novel biomarkers discovered
by scientists at the Garvan Institute. Under the terms of the agreement,
Clinical Genomics obtains worldwide exclusive rights to the Garvan's
proprietary cancer associated methylation DNA biomarkers for the diagnosis
and or treatment of colorectal cancer. Clinical Genomics intends to expand
its colorectal biomarker research program to evaluate these promising
biomarkers in view of formulating a diagnostic test utilizing those
biomarkers demonstrating clinical benefit for the early detection of
colorectal cancer.
"Through this strategic licensing agreement with the Garvan Institute, we
have complemented our existing technology portfolio and enhanced our ability
to develop next generation products for diagnosing colorectal cancer at the
earliest, most treatable stage," stated Dr. Lawrence LaPointe, Chief
Executive Officer of Clinical Genomics. "We have also broadened our product
development options for ourselves and our partners."
"This licensing agreement will allow Clinical Genomics to achieve the
full diagnostic potential of the colorectal cancer biomarkers identified by
our researchers," said Professor John Shine, Executive Director of Garvan.
"Our hope is that the company will successfully develop a diagnostic tool
that will be useful in the global effort to treat this common cancer."
About DNA Methylation
DNA methylation is a naturally occurring biological process involved in
gene silencing. In 2005, a team led by Prof. Susan Clarke at the Garvan
Institute of Medical Research published a paper in Nature Genetics describing
a region of the human genome that shows much higher levels of methylation
(silencing) in colorectal cancer compared to healthy controls.
About The Garvan Institute of Medical Research
The Garvan Institute of Medical Research is a world class institute
focused on gene-based medical research with a strong focus on cancer and
metabolic syndromes. World leading DNA methylation researcher Professor Susan
Clark is the director of epigenetics research at the Garvan. Prof. Clark's
track record includes pioneering the development of the bisulphite sequence
protocol for detecting methylated cytosines now used around the world to
measure gene silencing, discovery of the hyper-methylation of GSTP1 in
prostate cancer and, more recently, contributions to understanding
genome-wide methylation patterns in cancer.
About Clinical Genomics Pty Ltd
Clinical Genomics was formed in September 2006 to develop, extend, and
commercialise molecular markers for colorectal disease. The enterprise
includes experts in the science and business of colorectal cancer detection
as well as institutional, commercial and clinical collaborative partners that
understand this field. On top of a solid foundation of intellectual property
protecting a panel of neoplasia biomarkers, CG has attracted significant
financial and human resources to address this opportunity. By applying
advanced biotechnology and computational technologies to study the complex
changes in gene expression that occur as normal colorectal cells become
cancerous, Clinical Genomics expect that an understanding of the molecular
basis of the disease will enable them to provide products for improved
diagnosis, management and possibly therapy of this disease.
Further Information: Dr. Lindsay Collinson Ph: +61-2-9888-9065 x 206 E: Lindsay.collinson@clinicalgenomics.com Clinical Genomics Pty Ltd
Dr. Lindsay Collinson of Clinical Genomics Pty Ltd, +61-2-9888-9065 x 206, Lindsay.collinson at clinicalgenomics.com
Tags: australia, Clinical Genomics Pty Ltd, September 27, Sydney, Western Europe