Ventana and Syndax to Develop Companion Diagnostic

Ventana Medical Systems (Tucson, AZ, USA) and Syndax Pharmaceuticals (Waltham, MA, USA) signed an agreement to design a companion diagnostic for a drug being developed by Syndax to treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Financial and other terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Ventana, part of the Roche Group, will provide the assay for use in selecting patients for a clinical study of Syndax's lead molecule entinostat, in combination with erlotinib (Tarceva), a drug currently marketed for NSCLC.

Syndax’s lead product entinostat is a novel, oral small-molecule inhibitor of class I histone deacetylases, key enzymes that alter the structure of chromatin to control gene expression. Entinostat is differentiated from other members of the class through its unique selectivity profile, pharmacokinetic properties, and safety profile. Entinostat has been studied in more than 600 cancer patients where objective tumor responses have been observed in both solid and hematologic malignancies.

Syndax is developing entinostat for breast and lung cancer indications. The company recently completed a phase II study of the drug and found that a "subset patients with tumors expressing high levels of the protein e-cadherin experienced a more favorable overall survival and we therefore intend to select this patient population in the confirmatory study planned to start in the second half of the year," Syndax President and CEO Joanna Horobin said in a statement.

Ventana also signed an agreement to provide a companion diagnostic test for a compound being developed by Aeterna Zentaris (Quebec, Canada) for multiple cancers. The immunohistochemical test will determine luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone receptor expression.

Syndax is a late-stage oncology company ready to initiate programs supported by venture capital and led by industry experts developing treatments for large markets, including metastatic breast and lung cancer. The Company’s platform is based on employing epigenetics to overcome the problem of resistance in oncology care.

Ventana Medical Systems, Inc. is a leader and innovator of tissue-based diagnostic solutions for patients worldwide. The company discovers, develops, and delivers medical diagnostic systems and biopsy based cancer tests. The company also offers workflow solutions to improve laboratory efficiency and preserve patient safety.

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Ventana
Syndax Pharmaceuticals
Aeterna Zentaris