TriPath and AmeriPath to Develop Melanoma Assay

An agreement to commercialize a novel gene expression assay for malignant melanoma has been announced by TriPath Oncology,Inc. (Burlington, NC, USA) and AmeriPath, Inc. (Riviera Beach, FL, USA).

Under the agreement, TriPath Oncology will supply AmeriPath with a novel gene-based probe labeled as an analyte-specific reagent (ASR) that will be incorporated into an in situ hybridization assay developed at AmeriPath. Initially, AmeriPath will offer the assay at its Center for Advanced Diagnostics facility in Orlando (FL, USA). AmeriPath will have exclusive rights to the assay for clinical diagnostic testing services subject to diligence milestones.

TriPath Oncology, a wholly owned subsidiary of TriPath Imaging, Inc., was established in July 2001 to develop reagents for molecular diagnostic and pharmacogenomic testing in the areas of malignant melanoma and various cancers. AmeriPath is a leading US provider of cancer diagnostics, genomic, and related information services.

"As the market leader in dermapathology services, we feel that AmeriPath is the ideal partner to bring this assay to market,” said Paul R. Sohmer, M.D., chairman, president, and CEO of TriPath Imaging. "The marker for malignant melanoma is the first in a series of novel assays expected to come out of our relationship with Becton Dickinson.”





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