[news 2009-2010]

Queen’s University prostate cancer research tool licensed to Cymogen Dx 

May 6, 2010

KINGSTON, ON/NEW WINDSOR, NY -- A Queen’s University researcher has developed a novel technology for detecting genomic loss of tumor suppressor genes in patient biopsies. The first assay of this broad platform technology will target the ability to determine the loss of the PTEN gene, which plays a critical role in cancers of the prostate, breast, lung, and others. The patent-pending technology has been licensed exclusively to Cymogen Dx of New York.

The technology, developed by a team led by Dr. Jeremy Squire, Professor of Pathology and Molecular Medicine and KGH Research Chair in Molecular Pathology, uses fluorescent-tagged DNA probes.  Also called Fluorescence In-Situ Hybridization (FISH), Dr. Squire’s novel platform enables researchers to identify and analyze, with unprecedented accuracy, the chromosomal loss in the area of the genome in and around the PTEN gene.

PTEN, found in the nucleus of cancer cells, is considered one of the most important cancer-causing tumor-suppressor genes and is the target of intense drug development activity in the pharmaceutical community. In numerous-peer reviewed publications, the genomic loss of PTEN has been shown to be closely linked to the development of more aggressive forms of cancer.

The technology represents a significant improvement to current detection capabilities and provides a more accurate way of identifying PTEN genomic loss in biopsies and tissue sections, which may enable researchers and clinicians to better diagnose, stratify and treat prostate cancer patients. The technology has been licensed to Cymogen Dx by PARTEQ Innovations, the technology transfer office of Queen’s University.

Cymogen Dx specializes in research tools for identifying genomic abnormalities in cancer cells and other disorders stemming from chromosomal abnormalities. The company expects to make the technology available to the research and clinical markets within the next 60 days.

“Identifying the molecular biomarkers unique to individuals – an approach also known as personalized medicine – is becoming increasingly important to the diagnosis and management of prostate and other cancers,” says Thomas J. Moss, MD, Chief Medical Officer of CymoGen Dx. “Dr. Squire’s technology offers the potential to more accurately identify genomic aberrations/changes that are critical to disease stratification, which will better facilitate matching the type and amount of treatment to the aggressiveness of that patient’s tumor.”

Disclaimer

CymogenDx probes are for research use only (RUO) and are not for use in diagnostic procedures.

About Cymogen Dx:

CymoGen Dx is an emerging molecular diagnostics company with facilities in California and Orange County, NY. Cymogen is dedicated to the mission of providing genomic products and solutions for clinical, biopharmaceutical, and research customers.

About PARTEQ Innovations:

PARTEQ Innovations is the not-for-profit technology transfer office of Queen’s University. PARTEQ works with institutional researchers and the business and venture capital communities to bring early stage technologies to market. While primarily focused on discoveries generated by Queen’s University, PARTEQ also offers its services to the Royal Military College of Canada, Kingston General Hospital, St. Lawrence College and Carleton University.

Contact:

John Molloy

President & CEO

PARTEQ Innovations

P: 613. 533. 2342

E: jmolloy@parteqinnovations.com

www.parteqinnovations.com

Peter Hartmayer

Executive Vice President

CymoGen Dx, LLC

P: 845.220.4020 ext. 111

E: peter.hartmayer@cymogendx.com

www.cymogendx.com