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Osmetech and EPIDAUROS establish strategic partnership to develop pharmaceutical companion diagnostics and novel molecular diagnostic products - 06 January 2007
Osmetech plc ('Osmetech' or the 'Company') the fast developing genetic diagnostics business and EPIDAUROS Biotechnologie AG (‘EPIDAUROS’), a leading provider of pharmacogenetic solutions located in Bernried near Munich, announce an agreement to develop pharmaceutical companion diagnostics and novel molecular diagnostic products.
The strategic partnership covers companion diagnostics for new and existing pharmaceuticals as well as novel pharmacogenomic biomarkers. Osmetech will develop, manufacture and sell diagnostic assays on the Osmetech eSensor® array system using EPIDAUROS biomarker technology and solutions.
James White, CEO of Osmetech commented:
“This deal gives Osmetech access to a very strong pipeline into the rapidly growing area of companion diagnostics for new and existing pharmaceuticals as well as access to novel pharmacogenomic biomarkers through EPIDAUROS.
”Osmetech will have the ability to be a significant player in this new era of personalized medicine by linking the drug to the diagnostic through our cost effective and easy to use molecular diagnostic platforms. Given the evolving potential of pharmcogenetic diagnostic tests in light of the recent FDA decisions concerning Warfarin and Tamoxifen and the anticipated growth of companion diagnostics developed alongside novel drugs over the next decade, it is strategically important for us to be aligning ourselves with EPIDAUROS, a worldwide leader in pharmacogenetic research and solutions.“
Michael Lutz, CEO of EPIDAUROS said:
"Given the pioneering work of EPIDAUROS to identify clinically valid biomarkers such as CYP2D6*41 and the world class pharmacogenetic services we are offering to many pharmaceutical companies today, this agreement with Osmetech will facilitate the rapid turnaround both of our internal pipeline of markers but also any personalized medicine-related marker that our pharma partners may want to develop into molecular diagnostic tests, in particular, in the fields of HIV and oncology.
For further information, please contact:
Osmetech plc +44 (0)20 7849 6027
James White, Chief Executive Officer
David Sandilands, Chief Financial Officer
EPIDAUROS Biotechnologie AG +49 (0)8158 99850
Dr. Michael Lutz, Chief Executive Officer
Hoare Govett Limited +44 (0)20 7678 8000
Andrew Foster / Bertie Whitehead (Corporate Broking)
Madano partnership +44 (0)20 7593 4000
Matthew Moth/Mark Way
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 its 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.