Johns Hopkins University has inked an exclusive global license allowing DxS, a wholly owned subsidiary of Netherlands holding company Qiagen N.V., to use its PI3K biomarker patent in the development of PCR-based companion diagnostics for cancer therapies. The patent for PI3K mutations in human cancers was initially filed by Johns Hopkins researchers who assessed the biomarker during their evaluation of tyrosine kinase inhibitors targeting the EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) pathway. Their research suggests that mutations in the PI3K oncogene are predictive for the success of certain treatments of patients suffering from lung, breast, colorectal, and other cancers. Financial terms of the license were not disclosed.
Qiagen already markets a PI3K test for research use and last September acquired DxS, a personalized medicines company that specializes in the development of molecular diagnostics to help select the most appropriate therapies for cancer patients. That deal included a $95 million up-front cash payment and up to $35 million in additional fees dependent upon meeting certain milestones. Since then, DxS has inked an agreement with Pfizer to develop a test for the tumor-specific epidermal growth factor receptor variant III (EGFRvIII) as a companion diagnostic for CDX-110 – Pfizer’s Phase II immunotherapy vaccine for the treatment of glioblastoma multiforme. DxS’ product portfolio also includes both clinical and research-use tests to determine the mutation status of cancer-related genes. The company signed a collaborative agreement with Bristol-Myers Squibb and ImClone Systems to provide a companion diagnostic for use with the EGFR inhibitor Erbitux and negotiated a partnership with AstraZeneca to develop a companion diagnostic for use with lung-cancer drug Iressa.
Sources: Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News and PharmaBiz.com