DxS and Epigenomics Enhance Portfolio for DNA Methylation Analysis

(Manchester, UK) and Epigenomics AG (Berlin, Germany) have cross-licensed technologies to enhance DNA methylation analyses. This will enable the companies to develop and commercialize in vitro diagnostic (IVD) products based on DNA methylation. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Both DxS and Epigenomics signed an agreement in January 2008; the companies have now executed their options as granted in last year's agreement and have acquired the right to sublicense the respective licensed technologies

DxS' Scorpions technology is suited for IVD applications using real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) instrumentation. The probes are covalently linked to sensitive, sequence-specific molecules containing a PCR primer. Scorpion probes provide strong fluorescent signals, good sequence discrimination, short reaction times, and predictable probe design. The technology is fast and sensitive and is combined with allele specific PCR (ARMS) to develop DxS products. The technology is available for license to diagnostic companies, for research, or for other various applications.

Epigenomics is a molecular diagnostics company that focuses on development of new products for cancer. Using DNA methylation biomarkers, the company's tests in development aim at diagnosing cancer at an early stage before symptoms occur.

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DxS
Epigenomics AG