Bernried, Germany - October 16, 2006 EPIDAUROS Biotechnologie AG, a leading provider of pharmacogenetic solutions located in Bernried near Munich, and Osmetech plc, an international healthcare diagnostics group, jointly announced today that Osmetech has signed an agreement for a non-exclusive commercial license to EPIDAUROS´ patent application on a specific biomarker related to the Cytochrome P450 CYP2D6. Financial details are not disclosed.
The agreement covers the genetic variant 2988G>A in the CYP2D6 gene. This variant could be used in combinatorial analysis with further genetic variants of CYP2D6 as a predictive marker for impaired enzymatic function putting patients at higher risk for non-responsiveness or adverse drug reactions. CYP2D6 plays a role in the metabolism of 25% of the most commonly prescribed drugs to date. Therefore, the sound analysis of CYP2D6 is important in the course of clinical drug development to make drug therapy safer and more efficacious.
James White, CEO of OSMETECH added, ”This deal marks an important move forward as we look to gain access to the validated content that exists in the important area of pharmacogenomics. With the Cystic Fibrosis product already on the market and our earlier license from LGC, we are in a strong position to take our FDA cleared electrochemistry-based eSensor® array platform into the market with the launch of our first pharmacogenomic products.”
Michael Lutz, CEO of EPIDAUROS added: “We are delighted that Osmetech will use EPIDAUROS´ intellectual property with respect to the variant 2988G>A of CYP2D6 to develop value-adding diagnostic products. This agreement is clearly another milestone in our strategy to fully exploit the commercial potential of our existing patent portfolio. We are confident that other companies will require appropriate licenses on this genetic marker shortly. We also look forward to exploring additional business opportunities with Osmetech in the near future.”
Contact EPIDAUROS:
Dr. Michael Lutz Dr. Stephan Reschauer
Chief Executive Officer Director, Patents & Licensing
Phone: +49 (0)8158 9985 0
Fax: +49 (0)8158 9985 48
Email: contact@epidauros.com
Contact Osmetech plc:
Edward O. Kreusser, Esq.
Vice President Intellectual Property and Legal Affairs
Phone: +1 626 463 2000 ext. 8017
Fax: +1 626 463 2012
Email: Ed.kreusser@osmetech.com
About Osmetech plc
(www.osmetech.com)
Osmetech plc is an AIM-listed public company on the London Stock Exchange. The company is a fast developing, international diagnostics business with operations in Atlanta, Boston and Pasadena in the US, serving the high growth, near patient testing market targeting small to medium sized hospitals. Osmetech operates in two business areas, namely Molecular Diagnostics and Critical Care Diagnostics. Osmetech has launched eSensor®, an FDA cleared electrochemistry-based array system, for Cystic fibrosis carrier detection and will launch a number of pharmacogenomic assays utilizing our proprietary technology in the near future.
About EPIDAUROS Biotechnologie AG
(www.epidauros.com)
EPIDAUROS Biotechnologie AG is a leading provider of tailor-made pharmacogenetic solutions in the area of clinical drug development. The company investigates the individual genetic profile that influences a person’s response to a drug in order to make drug development and therapy safer and more efficient. EPIDAUROS examines and characterizes variations (polymorphisms) of genes that encode for drug transporter proteins, drug metabolizing enzymes and drug targets, e.g. receptors.
EPIDAUROS´ business activities range from scientific pharmacogenetic consultancy, conduct of logistics for sample collection and shipment, sample processing and genetic testing in its own laboratory, up to data analysis and submission-ready reporting. In addition, provision of services includes development of new assays for genetic testing and extensive analysis of pharmacogenetic data, e.g. with regard to haplotypes (linked genetic markers).
EPIDAUROS explores new polymorphisms with pharmacogenetic relevance in close collaboration with leading academic institutions. In addition, the company also offers a concept for the development of drugs with companion diagnostics to the pharmaceutical industry. Moreover, EPIDAUROS develops genetic tests for routine use together with diagnostics companies.
For further information, please contact:
EPIDAUROS Biotechnologie AG
Am Neuland 1, D-82347 Bernried
Phone: +49 (0)8158 9985 0
Fax: +49 (0)8158 9985 48
Email: contact@epidauros.com
www.epidauros.com
Osmetech Inc.
DBA as Clinical Micro Sensors
757 South Raymond Street
Pasadena, CA 91105
USA
Phone: +1 626 463 2000
Fax: +1 626 463 2012
Email: information@osmetech.com
www.osmetech.com
|
