Serametrix Partners with the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research
to develop and commercialize serum-based diagnostics
20 October 2009
Serametrix Corporation, a personalized medicine company,
is to parner the Ludwig Institute
for Cancer Research Ltd (LICR) to develop and commercialise LICR’s
tumour immunology discoveries.
This
new alliance will enable rapid development and
commercialization of tests that predict and monitor drug
response in cancer patients. The serum-based tests, which
determine immune reaction to tumour antigens, are of value to
clinicians and drug developers alike.
The LICR holds the world’s foremost portfolio of tumour antigen
patents and their flagship antigen, NY-ESO-1, licensed to Serametrix as
part of this agreement, has already shown promise as a predictor of drug
response. It was also announced that Serametrix will add to its current
array-based services by launching a serum profiling service dedicated
solely to NY-ESO-1 antibody detection. This test will have immediate
application in the clinical development of novel cancer therapies.
As part of the deal LICR will take an equity stake in Serametrix. In
another significant move, Director of LICR’s New York Branch, Dr Lloyd
Old, was appointed Chairman of the Serametrix Scientific Advisory Board.
In a statement, Dr Lloyd Old said, “Immunological monitoring has a
vital role to play in cancer therapy. Tumour antigens have already proved
valuable as drug targets and this new agreement will ensure they are
also exploited as biomarkers for predicting drug response.”
Dr Henry Hepburne-Scott, Chief Executive Officer of Serametrix,
added: “Serametrix is pleased to build upon its relationship with the
LICR, whose leadership position in tumour immunology is beyond question.
This alliance of world-class research with commercial enterprise
represents a significant step towards more targeted cancer treatments.”