Rubicon and Abbott to Develop Cancer Diagnostic

A multi-year research and option agreement has been announced whereby Rubicon Genomics, Inc. (Ann Arbor, MI, USA), and Abbott Molecular (Des Plaines, IL, USA) will co-develop the MethylPlex methylation detection technology of Rubicon for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer.

MethylPlex is a very sensitive and simple method that can detect patterns of abnormal DNA methylation arising in serum and urine during tumor formation and progression. Methylation is a natural process that occurs when a methyl 1 group is introduced into cytosine, one of DNA's four bases. Methylation is responsible for controlling the activity of genes by turning them off, like a switch, when not needed. By measuring the differences in the methylation patterns between healthy and diseased tissue, scientists can detect a change in gene activity that could trigger diseases such as cancer.

Patient tests will be developed that employ proprietary Rubicon methylation markers in conjunction with a radically simplified method of detecting those markers, overcoming the barriers of sensitivity, cost, and time that have hampered the implementation of DNA methylation screening before now. The primary focus of the collaboration is noninvasive detection of prostate and bladder cancer.

"We believe that DNA methylation is the most sensitive and specific indication of early cancer detection and prognosis,” said Fred Beyerlein, president and CEO of Rubicon Genomics. "We are looking forward to working with Abbott, a recognized leader in the field of cancer diagnostics. This is a great match of innovative technology and in-depth disease and market expertise.”

Rubicon Genomics develops and commercializes tests based on proprietary technology for the noninvasive diagnosis of cancer and other diseases as well as kits and services to facilitate gene-based research and drug development.





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