Amorfix and BioMosaics collaborate to develop a blood test for liver cancer

27-Apr-2009 - Canada

Amorfix Life Sciences Ltd. and BioMosaics Inc. announced a collaboration to develop and commercialize a blood-based assay for early detection of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) or primary liver cancer. This effort is possible due to an "Intellectual Property Development and Commercialization Program" investment of $280,000 from the Ontario Institute for Cancer Research (OICR) to Sunnybrook Research Institute (SRI) at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre (Sunnybrook). The collaboration incorporates existing technology for the blood test licensed to BioMosaics, plus new material from SRI needed to improve the test, to be used for assay development at Amorfix. Pending successful development, the product will be commercialized by BioMosaics through its existing distribution network.

The liver cancer blood test is based on antibodies to the biomarker Glypican-3 (GPC3), discovered by Dr. Jorge Filmus at Sunnybrook. The collaboration utilizes BioMosaics' expertise in the cancer biomarker area and the assay development capability at Amorfix. “Our expertise in developing highly sensitive blood assays is part of our core capabilities and we welcome the opportunity to apply our knowledge to achieve a blood test for the early detection of primary liver cancer,” said Dr. George Adams, CEO of Amorfix. Antibodies to GPC3 are sold worldwide by BioMosaics for use in pathology laboratories to confirm HCC, and GPC3 is widely accepted as an immunohistochemical biomarker of early HCC. “A robust and sensitive immunoassay for detection of GPC3 circulating in the bloodstream will facilitate monitoring and early detection of liver cancer in high-risk groups such as people with chronic hepatitis,” said Dr. Mark Allegretta, President of BioMosaics.

Under this commercial collaboration, BioMosaics will have the opportunity to market the new test directly, as well as through its existing distributors, and Amorfix will receive royalties on commercial product sales, as well as an option to manufacture the assay kits and reagents for global distribution.

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Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous

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Topic world Antibodies

Topic world Antibodies

Antibodies are specialized molecules of our immune system that can specifically recognize and neutralize pathogens or foreign substances. Antibody research in biotech and pharma has recognized this natural defense potential and is working intensively to make it therapeutically useful. From monoclonal antibodies used against cancer or autoimmune diseases to antibody-drug conjugates that specifically transport drugs to disease cells - the possibilities are enormous