SAN FRANCISCO, Jan. 10 /PRNewswire/ -- Epiphany Biosciences announced the completion of an exclusive, worldwide licensing agreement for the diagnostic and therapeutic use of the KSHV/HHV-8 sequence and related patents. Previously, the company had an exclusive option to the patent portfolio from Columbia University.
KSHV or HHV-8 has been shown to cause serious and life threatening disease such as cancer (Kaposi’s sarcoma) especially in immuno-compromised and HIV- positive patients. The virus also affects immuno-competent patients of Mediterranean, Jewish or African origin (Classic Kaposi’s sarcoma). KSHV can be transmitted through saliva, tissue, blood transfusions and bodily fluids. The virus was first discovered by Epiphany Scientific Advisory Board members, Yuan Chan, MD and Patrick Moore, MD MPH.
Summarizing the importance and impact of the virus on human health, Dr. Moore explained, “KSHV is a silent infection that can develop into Kaposi’s sarcoma (KS). Persons with HIV, transplant recipients and gay/bisexual men are all at risk for developing cancers caused by KSHV. Unfortunately, until now, the medical community has been without tools to diagnose and prevent KSHV infection.”
“The United States suffered through an epidemic of hundreds of thousands of cases of KS among AIDS patients in the 1980s and 1990s, and KS has become the most frequently reported cause of cancer in Africa,” continued Dr. Moore. “There is increasing concern among physicians that as HIV patients age -- even those who have well-controlled HIV infection, they will be at risk for redeveloping KS. A simple blood test is the first step towards determining who is infected with this virus and developing new ways to prevent or treat infection.”
Agreeing with Dr. Moore on the health impact of KSHV, Robert Gallo MD, Epiphany co-founder and co-discoverer of HIV and HTLV, added, “This virus also is involved in at least a few other serious diseases, including an unusual cancer of the lymphatic system.”
Epiphany founder and CEO Fred Volinsky, MD, elaborated on Epiphany’s strategy to commercialize the KSHV/HHV-8 patent portfolio. “The completion of an exclusive license for KSHV/HHV-8 rounds out our portfolio of near term assets,” said Dr. Volinsky. “The first critical step in addressing KHSV will be to develop a reliable diagnostic test that can be used in transplant centers, HIV clinics and blood banks.”
“We are excited about helping patients and meeting an important clinical need to help safeguard the blood and solid organ supply by limiting the spread of this virus,” noted Volinsky.
About Epiphany Biosciences
Epiphany Biosciences is focused on advancing new therapies for infectious disease. Epiphany’s team includes a world class group of virologists. The founders include Fred Volinsky MD, Robert Gallo MD, David Myles PhD and Barry Selick PhD. Epiphany is located in San Francisco, California. Additional information on Epiphany Biosciences may be obtained at the company website www.epiphanybio.com or by contacting company representatives: Fred G. Volinsky MD, CEO 415.765.7193; David C. Myles PHD, COO 415.765.7198.
Epiphany Biosciences
CONTACT: Fred G. Volinsky MD, CEO, +1-415-765-7193, or David C. Myles PHD,COO, +1-415-765-7198, both of Epiphany Biosciences
Web site: http://www.epiphanybio.com//
