Xenomics Announces License with Asuragen for NPM1 Leukemia Diagnostics
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Xenomics, Inc. announces that it has granted Asuragen, Inc. co-exclusive worldwide rights to incorporate NPM1 technology into Asuragen's molecular diagnostic products.
Under the terms of this agreement, Asuragen will have the right to develop, manufacture and market products for the diagnosis, stratification and monitoring of patients with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML).
A recent discovery by Drs. Falini and Mecucci at the University of Perugia showed that many AML patients have mutations in the nucleophosmin (NPM1) gene, a favorable marker for clinical outcome.
Xenomics holds exclusive rights to the discovery and has co-exclusively sub-licensed mutations of the NPM1 gene to Asuragen, for diagnostic test development. The results of such a test will help physicians select patients with a good prognosis of benefiting from intensive chemotherapy, while sparing others with a low probability of benefit from the toxic treatment.
The NPM1 mutation may also be used to monitor AML patients for residual disease during chemotherapy. Monitoring is typically performed every three months per patient. Patient monitoring may be a key factor in over 400 ongoing clinical AML trials listed by the National Cancer Institute.
"Xenomics is committed to expanding patient access to the NPM1 marker worldwide," said Dr. Samuil Umansky, Chief Scientific Officer of Xenomics, Inc. "With this disease, physicians need a rapid assessment of patient prognosis for effective use of chemotherapy. NPM1 provides an excellent test for monitoring the minimal residual disease and patient response to anti-tumor therapy."
"Adding NPM1 mutation testing to the treating physician's testing arsenal will enable physicians and patients to make more informed choices in the treatment of AML," said Rollie Carlson, President of Asuragen. "NPM1 testing complements Asuragen's current leukemia products (Signature® LTx RUO) and we continue in our dedication to bring leading edge leukemia diagnostic products such as NPM1 testing to the AML community."
