OvaGene, Hitachi Collaborate on mRNA Biomarkers for Gynecological Cancers

Ovagene (Irvine, CA, USA), a molecular diagnostics firm, will collaborate with Hitachi Chemical Research Center (Irvine, CA, USA) to develop novel mRNA-based signatures for gynecological cancers. The collaboration aims to develop tests for the analysis of tumor mRNA within exosomes and microvessels in blood and vaginal fluids. Financial and other terms of the deal were not disclosed.

The agreement, which leverages Hitachi’s exosome technologies and OvaGene’s research, clinical validation, and translational expertise, focuses on the development of blood-based mRNA signatures to guide the selection of therapy and to monitor therapy response for ovarian cancer. The partners will also seek to identify novel mRNA signatures for diagnosing the early onset of ovarian or endometrial cancer in high-risk women, according to OvaGene spokespersons.

OvaGene reported that although early detection is the key to successfully treating ovarian and endometrial cancers, there currently are no simple, cost-effective, and reliable tests for early detection. Also lacking are approaches for quickly determining whether a specific therapy is effective for a patient.

William Ricketts, CSO of OvaGene, said, “These assays are developed to use blood or body fluid samples, making them easier to obtain from patients than surgical specimens.” He added that technologies such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and next-generation sequencing (NGS) have resulted in less invasive methods of obtaining samples and can be used to develop robust and reproducible laboratory tests. “Less invasive sample collection can potentially increase the number of patients who will be tested, therefore increasing the number of cancer patients identified at an earlier stage of disease.”

Related Links:
Ovagene
Hitachi Chemical Research Center