MolecularMD and Mayo Clinic Enter Into Sub-License Agreement for the Detection of Drug Resistant Mutations in Leukemia
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PORTLAND, OR, Apr 20 (MARKET WIRE) --
MolecularMD Corp, a developer and provider of cancer-based
pharmacogenomic diagnostic tests, announced today that it has granted a
sub-license agreement for the detection of ABL kinase mutations in
Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) patients to Mayo Foundation for
Medical Education and Research (Mayo Clinic).
Approximately 26,000 people live with CML in the US, with about 5,000 new
patients being diagnosed each year. The leukemia is associated with the
formation of the BCR-ABL oncogene as a result of a chromosomal
translocation known as the Philadelphia Chromosome (Ph).
The advent of targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) such as
Gleevec(R) (Novartis) and Sprycel(R) (Bristol Meyer Squibb) has
revolutionized the treatment of Ph+ CML. However, a small proportion of
patients develop acquired secondary drug resistance via point mutations
in the ABL kinase domain. These ABL kinase mutations can interfere with
the binding of TKIs to the targeted BCR-ABL oncoprotein which can lead to
disease progression from chronic phase to accelerated or blast phase.
The T315I ABL mutation is of particular interest to drug development
companies as it has manifested complete resistance to all current kinase
inhibitors drugs indicated for CML.
Hematology/Oncology physicians at Mayo Clinic treat chronic myeloid
leukemia (CML) patients at each of their three campuses in Arizona,
Florida and Minnesota. ABL kinase domain mutation analysis is most often
performed in high complexity molecular diagnostic laboratories, which
also typically provide broad expertise in the molecular diagnosis and
monitoring of CML patients. This sub-license will allow Mayo Clinic to
add ABL kinase domain mutation testing to the current range of BCR-ABL
analyses in the Molecular Hematopathology Laboratory, thus providing
critical information to clinicians about possible drug resistance in CML
patients receiving tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapy. The ability
to offer ABL kinase domain mutation testing will therefore help guide
Mayo physicians regarding the best course of treatment for these patients.
The intellectual property for the sub-license is based on USPTO Patent #
7326534 owned by Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU). MolecularMD
was granted a license in 2007 for the exclusive commercial rights of the
patented mutation discoveries made by Drs. Brian Druker and Amie Corbin at
OHSU.
About MolecularMD
Founded in 2006, MolecularMD specializes in the development and
commercialization of pharmacogenomic tests employed to measure patient
molecular response of novel 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.
About Mayo's Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology
The Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology at Mayo Clinic
maintains an active diagnostic test development program. These activities
also incorporate discoveries from other diagnostic and biotechnology
companies and academic organizations. Mayo utilizes these proven
diagnostic technologies in the care of its patients and offers them to
more than 5,000 health care institutions around the world through Mayo
Medical Laboratories. Revenue from testing is used to support medical
education and research at Mayo Clinic.
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.
For additional information, please contact MolecularMD at 1-888-663-7382
or visit our website at www.molecularmd.com.
Contact:
Dan Snyder
MolecularMD
1-888-663-7382
1-804-387-0900
Email Contact
www.molecularmd.com
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