PORTLAND, Ore., May 27, 2008-- MolecularMD Corp, a developer and provider of cancer-based molecular diagnostics, announced today that it has entered into a license agreement with the Oregon Health & Science University to obtain exclusive commercial rights to patented intellectual property (USPTO Patent # 7326534) related to the detection of Gleevec® (imatinib) resistant BCR-ABL mutations.
Gleevec (Novartis, Basel), a targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor drug, has proven to be a highly effective front line therapy for the treatment of Chronic Mylogenous Leukemia (CML). The drug blocks the unregulated enzyme activity of the fusion tyrosine kinase protein BCR-ABL. BCR-ABL stems from a chromosomal translocation forming the Philadelphia chromosome present in malignant bone marrow cells of CML patients.
While most CML patients exhibit excellent primary response to imatinib, a proportion of patients develop acquired secondary resistance via point mutations in the ABL kinase domain. These mutations can interfere with the binding of imatinib to the BCR-ABL protein and lead to disease progression. The T315I mutation is of particular interest to drug development companies as it has manifested complete resistance to all current kinase inhibitors drugs indicated for CML.
Tasigna® (nilotinib, Novartis) and Sprycel® (dasatinib, Bristol-Myers Squibb) were recently approved as second line treatments for CML patients that are intolerant or resistant to imatinib.
MolecularMD is the leader in developing and providing molecular diagnostic tests for CML patient monitoring and measuring patient response of new compounds in clinical trials. Through this exclusive license, MolecularMD plans to develop and commercialize novel approaches to detecting and quantifying BCR-ABL mutations. These efforts will be aimed at providing better performance, convenience and reliability for patients, doctors, and drug developers.
MolecularMD currently provides diagnostic services for BCR-ABL mutation analysis and a highly sensitive assay for T315I detection.
The investigation and initial discovery of the imatinib resistant mutations was led by Drs. Brian Druker and Amie Corbin from the OHSU. Their research is the subject of a recently approved patent that claims intellectual property covering all methods and applications for the detection of Gleevec resistant mutations.
“Greater understanding of the mechanisms of Gleevec resistance in CML has already led to greater treatment options for those patients who develop resistant BCR-ABL point mutations,” said Dr. Brian Druker, Director of the OHSU Cancer Institute and Scientific Founder of MolecularMD. “MolecularMD is well positioned to further develop methods for the detection of Gleevec resistant mutations and to support clinical, pharmaceutical, and diagnostic organizations dedicated to improving CML patient outcomes.”
About MolecularMD: Founded in 2006, MolecularMD is a molecular diagnostics company specializing in clinical development and commercialization of state-of-the-art genomic assays to measure patient response and resistance to targeted cancer therapies. The company has over 30 years of combined experience in cancer research and has developed sensitive and highly reliable molecular assays for leukemias, lymphomas, and solid tumors.
For more information visit www.molecularmd.com .
About OHSU Cancer Institute The OHSU Cancer Institute is the only National Cancer Institute-designated center between Sacramento and Seattle. It comprises some 200 clinical researchers, basic scientists and population scientists who work together to translate scientific discoveries into longer and better lives for Oregon’s cancer patients. In the lab, basic scientists examine cancer cells and normal cells to uncover molecular abnormalities that cause the disease. This basic science informs more than 300 clinical trials conducted at the OHSU Cancer Institute.
About Oregon Health and Science University
Oregon Health & Science University is the state’s only health and research university, and Oregon’s only academic health center. OHSU is Portland’s largest employer and the fourth largest in Oregon (excluding government), with 12,400 employees. OHSU’s size contributes to its ability to provide many services and community support activities not found anywhere else in the state. It serves patients from every corner of the state, and is a conduit for learning for more than 3,400 students and trainees. OHSU is the source of more than 200 community outreach programs that bring health and education services to every county in the state.
Dan Snyder MolecularMD Director of Commercial Affairs (888) 663 7382 Ext. 801 dsnyder@molecularmd.com
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