Empire Genomics Buys Product to Aid Cancer Research

Empire Genomics LLC has acquired an exclusive license from Emory University to genomic biomarkers to be used to determine treatments for cancer patients. The Buffalo-based firm, which specializes in personalized medicine, will use the patent-pending biomarkers to develop molecular diagnostic tests that could help satisfy an unmet need for therapeutic treatments for patients with multiple myeloma, a malignant blood cell cancer. Terms of the purchase were not disclosed. Empire Genomics announced last month it is commercializing a genetic test for multiple myeloma designed to help physicians select the right drug therapies based on the individual patients’ genetic markers. This new diagnostic test, company officials said, will be the first DNA biomarker test to direct treatment of multiple myeloma. The biomarkers were developed by Dr. Leon Bernal-Mizrachi, an assistant professor of hematology and medical oncology at the Emory University School of Medicine. Anthony Johnson, Empire Genomics CEO, said in a media release the company will also explore the use of this biomarker in lymphoma patients as well.

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