Biocartis Group NV: Biocartis strengthens biomarker portfolio for colorectal cancer
(Thomson Reuters ONE) -
PRESS RELEASE
Biocartis strengthens biomarker portfolio for colorectal cancer
Exclusive license of recently detected EGFR resistance mutations
Mechelen, Belgium, 26 April 2016 - Biocartis (Euronext Brussels: BCART), an
innovative molecular diagnostics company, today announces the exclusive
licensing of a recently detected set of mutations in the Epidermal Growth Factor
Receptor (EGFR)[1] that give resistance to anti-EGFR therapies in colorectal
cancer. The aim is to integrate these biomarkers into molecular diagnostic tests
for the Idylla(TM) platform, to enhance their ability to monitor therapy
resistance in patients and thereby allowing physicians to optimise treatment
selection.
The most frequently observed resistance mutation in this domain, EGFR S492R, was
previously detected by Dr. Montagut and Dr. Albanell (Hospital del Mar,
Barcelona, Spain) in 2012[2] and subsequently licensed to Biocartis for
commercialisation on the Idylla(TM) platform[3]. Several additional mutations
have now been identified in a collaborative effort between the laboratories of
Dr. Montagut and Dr. Bardelli (University of Torino, Italy).
These new mutations were identified in the EGFR ectodomain(1 )where anti-EGFR
antibodies for the treatment of colorectal cancer prevent EGF binding, which
causes the therapy not to work. The specific mutations were detected by
comparing advanced preclinical methods with colorectal cancer patient data to
identify these recently detected mechanisms of resistance (Arena et al.[4]).
This completed package of anti-EGFR resistance mutations has now been licensed
by the different inventors to Biocartis, with the aim to integrate these into
molecular diagnostic tests for the Idylla(TM) platform. This will enable
clinicians to rapidly select the right treatment, and as such optimise health
outcome for the patient.
Dr. Clara Montagut, Hospital del Mar, Barcelona, Spain, stated: "We are excited
about our collaboration with Biocartis. Just a few years after discovery of the
EGFR S492R resistance mutation in our lab, Biocartis has already developed and
commercialised this mutation in its Idylla(TM) NRAS-BRAF-EGFRS492R Mutation
Assay. The addition of this recently detected set of resistance mutations will
enable us to provide even better care for our colorectal cancer patients
receiving anti-EGFR therapy. I am very much looking forward to the liquid biopsy
version of this test, since monitoring and identifying resistance in our
patients should allow us to switch to more effective therapies that are
available in clinical trials."
Dr. Alberto Bardelli, University of Torino, Italy: "The EGFR S492R mutation
accounts for 16% of resistance to anti-EGFR therapies. These recently detected
mutations explain resistance in an additional 5-10% of patients and preclinical
models. Therefore, these EGFR ectodomain mutations are now established as one of
the main and dominant mechanisms of resistance in >20% of colorectal cancer
patients treated with anti-EGFR antibodies. Together with RAS mutations, they
constitute the main markers that need to be monitored during such therapy. The
Biocartis platform and tests are ideally suited for that purpose."
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For more information:
Biocartis
Renate Degrave, Corporate Communications & Investor Relations
+32 15 632 600 | press(at)biocartis.com
About Biocartis
Biocartis (Euronext Brussels: BCART) is an innovative molecular diagnostics
(MDx) company providing next generation diagnostic solutions aimed at improving
clinical practice for the benefit of patients, clinicians, payers and industry.
Biocartis' proprietary MDx Idylla(TM) platform is a fully automated sample-to-
result, real-time PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) system that offers accurate,
highly reliable molecular information from virtually any biological sample in
virtually any setting. Biocartis launched the Idylla(TM) platform in September
2014. Biocartis is developing and marketing a rapidly expanding test menu
addressing key unmet clinical needs in oncology and infectious diseases. These
areas represent respectively the fastest growing and largest segments of the MDx
market worldwide. Today, Biocartis has four oncology tests and one infectious
disease test on the market. More information on: www.biocartis.com.
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[1] It concerns a new set of mutations in the EGFR ectodomain. While the
commonly known EGFR mutations reside in the kinase domain of the EGFR receptor,
which is located inside the cell, the EGFR ectodomain is the portion of the
receptor located outside the cell, and represents the true receptor function
where EGF binds, and where anti-EGFR antibodies for the treatment of colorectal
cancer such as cetuximab and panitumumab engage the EGFR receptor and prevent
EGF binding.
[2] Montagut et al. (2012) Identification of a mutation in the extracellular
domain of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor conferring cetuximab resistance
in colorectal cancer. Nat Med. 18: 221-223.
[3] Idylla(TM) NRAS-BRAF-EGFRS492R Mutation Assay (Research Use Only, RUO)
[4] Arena et al. (2015) Emergence of multiple EGFR extracellular mutations
during cetuximab treatment in colorectal cancer. Clin. Cancer Res.
21: 2157-2166.
This announcement is distributed by GlobeNewswire on behalf of
GlobeNewswire clients. The owner of this announcement warrants that:
(i) the releases contained herein are protected by copyright and
other applicable laws; and
(ii) they are solely responsible for the content, accuracy and
originality of the information contained therein.
Source: Biocartis Group NV via GlobeNewswire
[HUG#2006523]
Unternehmensinformation / Kurzprofil:
Datum: 26.04.2016 - 07:00 Uhr
Sprache: Deutsch
News-ID 466297
Anzahl Zeichen: 6650
contact information:
Town:
Mechelen
Kategorie:
Business News
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