Stroke Biomarker License to Randox
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Proteome Sciences plc has granted a non-exclusive license to Randox Laboratories (“Randox”) of Crumlin, UK for its portfolio of stroke biomarkers.
Proteome Sciences has established an extensive portfolio of patented plasma biomarkers of stroke and other brain damage-related disorders discovered in partnership with the Biomedical Proteomics Research Group at the University of Geneva (“BPRG”).
These markers are rapidly elevated in blood of patients undergoing both haemorrhagic and ischaemic strokes and offer the potential to identify those patients that would most benefit from thrombolytic treatment within the first 3 hours after onset of symptoms.
The research with BPRG has shown that a panel of 5 blood proteins is able to accurately rule out 90% [9 out of 10] of patients that have not had a stroke but who may currently be misdiagnosed in primary care and allows 90% [9 out of 10] of genuine strokes to be confirmed within minutes of the onset of symptoms.
Together, these results have the potential to transform the management of acute stroke and ensure more patients receive thrombolytic therapy.
These provide a highly effective way to minimize long-term disability in ischaemic stroke, reduce the cost of care and considerably improve the quality of life for stroke patients and their families.
Under the terms of the Agreement Randox will develop products for early diagnosis of stroke and subsequent monitoring of treatment outcomes.
Financial terms provide Proteome Sciences with seven digit (US dollar) license and development milestones together with double digit royalties on sales.
The clinical discovery and validation of the stroke biomarkers was led by Prof Jean-Charles Sanchez, Director of the University of Geneva Biomedical Proteomics Research Group who commented: “The discovery and validation of a panel of early stroke biomarkers in blood opens the way for rapid detection and selection of treatment that will have profound benefits for patients, their families and carers. We have recently studied the potential impact of using just one of these markers, GST-Pi, and found it could increase the number of treated stroke patients five-fold.”
Dr. Ian Pike, Chief Operating Officer of Proteome Sciences said: “We are pleased to be partnering our advanced stroke biomarkers with Randox who are rapidly developing a strong presence in the CNS area. Their track record of new product introductions has been impressive and we see their testing platforms as an ideal setting for rapid stroke diagnosis.”
Dr. Peter FitzGerald, Managing Director at Randox commented: “The addition of the Proteome Sciences stroke biomarkers will add significantly to the range of diagnostic products we offer in the cardiovascular disease field. Our ability to deliver these novel biomarkers to healthcare providers using our Biochip Array systems will enable stratification of patients for appropriate treatment and contribute to a reduction in healthcare costs. The stroke biomarkers will be offered to hospital laboratories through our global distribution network in 130 countries.
Christopher Pearce, Chief Executive of Proteome Sciences said: “The stroke biomarkers licensed to Randox have the ability to transform the way stroke is managed and ensure that considerably more patients receive treatment early. This will reduce the levels of disability, lower the cost of care and improve patient outcomes. We are delighted that the importance of our proprietary biomarkers is being properly recognized in diagnostics and drug development. Whilst licensing to companies like Randox remains a key component of our business, we also provide direct testing services through our ISO 9001:2008 certified facility and rapidly increased the number of biomarkers where we had assay coverage to around 50 by the end of 2011 and this number will double in 2012 with revenue reflected through PS Biomarker Services™.”
