Quest Developing Serum-based Test for Colon Cancer
Quest Diagnostics, Incorporated recently completed a licensing agreement with Epigenomics AG, based in Germany for the Septin 9 DNA methylation biomarker. Quest plans to use the marker to develop a molecular-based serum laboratory test for the detection of colorectal cancer to be used in conjunction with other screening approaches.
The licensing agreement provides Quest with exclusive rights for use of the biomarker for a time period that was not disclosed. It further requires that Quest develop an assay based on the biomarker.
Recent data indicates that Methylation of the Septin 9 gene is associated blood plasma marker in patients with early stage colorectal cancer. Methylation is a chemical process which alters DNA function but not the main structure. Quest is the first American company to license use of the biomarker from Epigenomics to develop such a serum test.
Quest has existing experience with diagnostic tools that utilize DNA methylation, including methylation tests for Angelman and Prader-Willi Syndromes. Quest already has another test available on the market to screen patients for colon cancer, the InSure fecal immunochemical test (FIT) which employs stool screening.
Executives from Quest note the poor rate of compliance across the U.S. with colorectal screening. Many public health practitioners believe that this is explained, in part, by the unwillingness to participate in colonoscopy which can be uncomfortable and invasive. The ability to complete screening, particularly with a simple and inexpensive blood test which is also less invasive, is attractive.
February 28, 2008 Related topics: Partnerships & Consortia, Contract Awards, Diagnostic, Gastroenterology