DxS and Epigenomics Enter Cross-Licensing Agreement for the Use of Scorpions® Technology in DNA Methylation Based Testing

Epigenomics AG and DxS Ltd have announced that they have entered into a strategic cross-licensing agreement. Under the terms of the agreement, Epigenomics obtains worldwide non-exclusive rights to DxS’ proprietary Scorpions® technology for R&D use and research kits, as well as an option to expand the license to the in vitro diagnostics (IVD) field.

Epigenomics intends to use this technology both in certain research kits as well as potentially in its cancer specialty diagnostics products. DxS in return receives a worldwide non-exclusive license and options to certain Epigenomics IP covering the use of Scorpions® technology for DNA methylation applications. Both Epigenomics and DxS have acquired options to sub-licensing rights for the respective technologies.

Further details and financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“Through this strategic technology cross-licensing agreement with DxS, with the first products based on DNA methylation coming to market in the near future, we took yet another important step towards establishing a unified industry standard for DNA methylation detection, complementing our MethyLight and HeavyMethyl® patent portfolios,” stated Dr. Kurt Berlin, Chief Scientific Officer of Epigenomics.

“We also have complemented our broad technology portfolio to have freedom to operate and maximum flexibility in final product design and testing platforms for ourselves as well as our partners,” Dr. Berlin added.

“Our Scorpions technology is ideally suited for cancer in vitro diagnostics using real-time PCR instrumentation”, commented Dr Stephen Little, Chief Executive Officer at DxS.

“The probes are highly sensitive, sequence–specific molecules containing a PCR primer covalently linked to a probe. Scorpion probes can provide strong fluorescent signals, sequence discrimination, short reaction times, and predictable probe design. The nature of the Scorpions reaction means that it is suited for quantitative, real-time PCR analysis. We believe that this technology is ideal for DNA methylation based in vitro diagnostic products, such as the ones developed by Epigenomics.”