November 10, 2010 -- Amoy Diagnostics and AstraZeneca have signed a collaborative agreement regarding detection of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene mutations using Amoy’s patented ADx-ARMS technology. The two companies agreed to co-host workshops demonstrating how to use Amoy’s technology to detect EGFR mutations in tissue from non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) samples. Two workshops have already taken place, attended by oncologists, thoracic surgeons, pathologists and other hospital staff involved in treating lung cancer patients in mainland China. The two companies will co-host future workshops for medical staff several times per year.
Non-small cell lung cancers harboring EGFR mutations are particularly sensitive to treatment with AstraZeneca’s drug Iressa, a once-daily oral medication that targets and blocks the activity of mutant EGFR. Mutant EGFR has been identified as a key driver of tumor growth and spread in NSCLC. Activating mutations in the EGFR gene occur in about 10-15% of NSCLC patients in Europe and around 30-40% of NSCLC patients in Asia. Amoy Diagnostic’s assay is sensitive and accurate and can detect 29 mutations in the EGFR gene.
“We are working closely with AstraZeneca to educate the medical community in China about the utility of molecular diagnostics for patient stratification”, said David Whyte, executive VP for global operations at Amoy Diagnostics. “The workshops are designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the role of activating mutations in cancer signaling, and also to give the clinicians real hands on training in the assay procedures”.
AmoyDx has developed and validated test kits for KRAS, EGFR, BRAF, JAK2, ABL, PDGFR and KIT mutations based on the ADx ARMS technology. The KRAS test has received SFDA approval for clinical use in China. SFDA approvals for the EGFR and BRAF tests are anticipated soon. The company has also applied in Europe for CE marks for the KRAS, EGFR and BRAF tests. The portfolio of tests includes gene expression assays (ERCC1, TYMS, RRM1) to predict chemotherapy response.
AmoyDx has a rich pipeline of molecular tests that are being developed in its ISO 13485-certified laboratory. New products are in the areas of oncology and viral-based infectious disease. Please see the website at http://www.amoydx.com/en/index.php for more details.
Please send inquiries to: David Whyte, Ph.D. Email: WhyteD@AmoyDx.com Kechuang Building,289 Haicang Wengjiao Road, Xiamen, 361026, China Tel: +86 592 6806831 Fax:+86 592 6806839 http://www.amoydx.com/en/index.php
About AstraZeneca
AstraZeneca is a major international healthcare business engaged in the research, development, manufacturing and marketing of meaningful prescription medicines and supplier for healthcare services. AstraZeneca is one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies with healthcare sales of US$ 31.6 billion and is a leader in gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, neuroscience, respiratory, oncology and infectious disease medicines. For more information about AstraZeneca, please visit: www.astrazeneca.com
About Amoy Diagnostics
Amoy Diagnostics is a provider of state-of-the-art diagnostic products and services. Its customers include healthcare providers, academic institutions, and pharmaceutical companies. The company has a growing portfolio of molecular diagnostics tests for the emerging integration of personalized medicine into healthcare. These services and products are currently in the areas of oncology and bacterial infections, with developing interests in viral infections. Amoy Diagnostics’ GMP manufacturing facility and ISO13485-certified labs are based in Xiamen, China. For more information about Amoy Diagnostics, please visit: www.amoydx.com/en/index.php.
