Epigenomics Receives FDA Approval for Epi proColon®
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Epigenomics AG has announced that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Company’s lead product, Epi proColon®, the first and only FDA-approved blood-based colorectal cancer screening test. Epi proColon® will be made available in the United States under a joint commercialization agreement with the Company’s strategic partner Polymedco.
“We are excited by the FDA’s decision to approve Epi proColon® as the first and only blood-based colorectal cancer screening test,” said Dr. Thomas Taapken, CEO/CFO of Epigenomics. “While colorectal cancer remains the second-leading cause of cancer death in the United States, one out of three eligible Americans still does not undergo colorectal cancer screening. Given the significant benefits for patients, healthcare professionals and payors, Epi proColon® could help to meet the objective of 80% screening compliance of the eligible U.S. population as pursued by U.S. guideline bodies such as the American Cancer Society."
“Epi proColon® has the potential to become an important opportunity for laboratories across the country to join the fight on colorectal cancer,” said Drew Cervasio, President and CEO of Polymedco. “We are very much looking forward to bringing this new, highly innovative blood-based test to the U.S. market.”
Epi proColon® is indicated for colorectal cancer screening in average-risk patients who choose not to undergo colorectal cancer screening by guideline-recommended methods such as colonoscopy and stool-based fecal immunochemical tests (FIT). For patients, the test only requires a simple blood sample to be drawn as part of routine healthcare provider visits. There are no dietary restrictions or alterations in medication required for the test. The sample will be analyzed at a local or regional diagnostic laboratory.
Epi proColon® has received FDA approval based on demonstration of safety and efficacy as established in three major clinical studies. The test has also demonstrated its potential to significantly increase participation rates in colorectal cancer screening. As typically required by the FDA for new screening products, the Company will initiate a post-approval study to show the long-term benefit of blood-based colorectal cancer screening using Epi proColon®.
