Epigenomics AG Announces Non-exclusive Licensing Agreement with Companion Dx
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Epigenomics AG has announced that it has signed a non-exclusive licensing agreement for its proprietary DNA methylation biomarker Septin9 with Companion Dx Reference Lab (“Companion Dx”), an emerging leader in pharmacogenomic testing and cancer companion diagnostics.
Under the terms of the agreement, Companion Dx has obtained rights to establish and commercialize a blood-based, laboratory-developed test (LDT) using methylated Septin9 as biomarker for the detection of colorectal cancer. Epigenomics is entitled to double digit royalties on sales.
“The addition of Septin9 to our offering of cancer related products will allow us to more effectively serve the Texas cancer testing market. Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the U.S., and we believe that the blood based method to detect colorectal cancer in the currently non-compliant patient population will improve participation in screening and therefore save more lives in Texas”, said Steve Blum, CEO of Companion Dx.
“Based on the growing uptake of the Septin9 assay through our LDT licensees, we are excited to add regionally focused Companion Dx lab to the list of our partners as we recognize their ability to reach incremental sub-populations who should be but are not currently screened according to guidelines”, said Noel Doheny, Chief Executive Officer of Epigenomics’ US subsidiary.
“Companion Dx shares our objective of providing tests that will help physicians to improve the health outcomes for patients through accurate detection of colorectal cancer and to potentially decrease the rising costs associated with colorectal cancer in the U.S. With today’s licensing agreement, we continue to execute on our commercialization strategy, well ahead of the launch of a proprietary diagnostic product approved by the FDA”, explained Mr. Doheny.
The agreement with Companion Dx complements Epigenomics’ LDT agreements with Quest Diagnostics, ARUP Laboratories and Warnex Medical Laboratories in North America.
Furthermore, Abbott Molecular has worldwide, non-exclusive license to develop and to commercialize IVD test kit products while Qiagen and Sysmex have acquired options to do so.
