SOURCE: Source MDx
December 27, 2007 09:00 ET
Source MDx Announces Translational Molecular Medicine Collaboration With Pfizer
Pharmacodynamic and Predicative Biomarker Collaboration Focused on Oncology and Inflammation Includes Equity Investment by Pfizer
BOULDER, CO--(Marketwire - December 27, 2007) - Source MDx,
Inc. today announced a multi-year translational molecular medicine
collaboration with Pfizer, Inc. to develop and validate RNA-based
pharmacodynamic and predictive biomarkers within Pfizer's cancer and
inflammation therapeutic development programs. This molecular diagnostics
collaboration will combine Pfizer's expertise in genomic profiling with
Source MDx's expertise in RNA transcription profiling to identify
inflammation and cancer-related biomarkers in whole blood and circulating
rare cells. Source MDx has developed and patented molecular diagnostic
assays, Precision Profiles™, for over 1,800 target genes based on RNA
transcript measurement using quantitative RT-PCR optimized for precision
and calibration. Pfizer and Source MDx researchers will seek to establish
molecular profiles of response and resistance for critical cancer and
inflammation drugs. Validation of candidate biomarkers will lead to joint
commercial opportunities in companion diagnostics.
Under the terms of the agreement, Source MDx and Pfizer will collaborate on
a series of clinical studies in oncology and inflammation. Source MDx will
receive an equity investment and technology license payment, plus research
and development funding over the term of the alliance. Source MDx will
retain commercial rights to diagnostic biomarkers discovered and validated
from the collaboration. The agreement includes provisions under which
Pfizer and Source MDx can commercialize any companion diagnostics that may
be developed as part of the collaboration.
Since 2002, Source MDx and Pfizer have worked together in over twenty
pre-clinical and clinical projects applying RNA transcription profiling
across multiple phases of the drug development process in
inflammation-related diseases. Source MDx has expanded its historical
strength in
inflammation-related biomarker development to include oncology biomarkers
for the development of targeted cancer therapeutics, including
immunotherapy. Source MDx's OncoProfiling(SM) service offerings enhance
the development of targeted cancer therapeutics by providing the same high
precision gene expression analysis in whole blood, circulating tumor and
endothelial cell samples.
"We believe this collaboration will provide many benefits to Pfizer's drug
development programs and further add to Source MDx's industry leadership in
the development of RNA transcript-based biomarkers. This collaboration is
the result of a long-standing Pfizer/Source MDx relationship and we are
excited to continue as a partner within Pfizer's cancer and inflammation
drug development programs," said Dr. Danute Bankaitis-Davis, Executive Vice
President of Source MDx.
Karl Wassmann, Source MDx's CEO and President added, "We are very
enthusiastic about this expanded collaboration with Pfizer. This alliance
not only strengthens our position in the field of oncology and autoimmune
molecular diagnostics but more importantly brings the potential of
individualized medicine closer to the patient."
About Source MDx
Source MDx is a privately held molecular diagnostics development company
that uses its patented technology to monitor an individual's health,
disease status and response to therapy at the molecular level, using RNA
from whole blood or tissue samples. Source MDx is developing a strong
portfolio of patented diagnostic biomarker panels to assist with the
detection and diagnosis of cancer and other diseases. Source MDx has
patented Precision Profile™ molecular diagnostic biomarkers in seven
cancers including breast, cervical, colon, lung, ovarian, prostate and skin
cancer and six autoimmune diseases including inflammatory bowel disease,
lupus, multiple sclerosis, psoriasis, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid
arthritis. The company has completed over 150 preclinical and clinical
projects for more than 30 leading pharmaceutical, biotechnology and
diagnostic companies. www.sourcemdx.com.