QUEBEC CITY , March 7 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ - DiagnoCure Inc. , a leading developer and provider of innovative high-value cell-based assays and molecular diagnostics for early detection of cancer, has been confirmed exclusive rights to PCA3, its highly prostate-cancer specific gene.
In a notice posted March 7, 2006, to its official website, the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has indicated that it has granted a patent on the PCA3 gene technology, which encompasses both therapeutic and diagnostic applications. The US patent 7,008,765 “PCA3, PCA3 genes and methods of use” is at the forefront of several families of patent applications covering PCA3, its structure and its role in the diagnosis, prognosis and therapeutics of prostate cancer. This patent is part of the worldwide exclusive license granted to DiagnoCure by the University Medical Centre in Nijmegen, the Netherlands. Dr. Marion Bussemakers, of Dr. Jack Schalken’s group at the University Medical Centre, discovered the gene in collaboration with Dr. William Isaacs of the John Hopkins University in Baltimore.
The ‘765 Patent covers the structure of the PCA3 gene, its polynucleotide sequences and various methods for detecting the nucleic acids. The first evident application of such methods is for the detection of prostate cancer. PCA3 is known to be over-expressed in malignant prostate tissue and not in normal prostate tissue.
“The issuance of this important parental patent, which was originally applied for in April 1998, strengthens our intellectual property portfolio and increases the value of the PCA3 technology,” said Mr. Pierre Desy, DiagnoCure’s President & Chief Executive Officer.
In 2003, DiagnoCure sublicensed the exclusive worldwide rights to diagnostic applications of the gene to Gen-Probe Corporation of San Diego, CA.
About DiagnoCure
DiagnoCure specializes in the development, production and commercialization of diagnostic tests for the early detection of cancers. DiagnoCure’s first product, ImmunoCyt(TM) /uCyt+(TM), is an important tool for the diagnosis and monitoring of bladder cancer. In 2003, the Company completed the development of uPM3(TM), a non-invasive test for the early detection of prostate cancer, and granted an exclusive worldwide license for the use of the PCA3 technology in prostate cancer diagnosis to Gen-Probe . In 2004, the company launched a first version of its automated microscopy workstation that screens, performs image analysis, reports and archives data and images. After successfully completing a lung cancer pilot study on bronchial aspirates, and having signed a license agreement with Genzyme Corp. for the exclusive rights to a bank of molecular markers in lung cancer, DiagnoCure is now exploring additional applications for lung cancer detection using other testing media such as expectorations and blood. The Company is continuing the validation of markers for integration into a prototype test for the early detection of kidney cancer and just initiated a program on breast cancer. DiagnoCure is headquartered in Quebec City, Canada. Additional information can be found at www.diagnocure.com.
Forward-looking statements
Certain statements in this release are forward-looking. These statements are based on DiagnoCure’s current expectations and involve many risks and uncertainties. DiagnoCure undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements contained herein.
DIAGNOCURE INC.
CONTACT: Thom Skinner, Chief Financial Officer, DiagnoCure Inc., (418)527-6100, communications@diagnocure.com