Belgian–German collaboration in cancer diagnostics

Licensing collaboration

Innogenetics NV of Gent, Belgium and AdnaGen AG of Langenhagen, Germany, agreed a worldwide licensing deal to develop and commercialise cancer diagnostics based on detecting cancer cells in blood. Innogenetics sealed the agreement following a feasibility study to convert the current gel-based AdnaDetect products into a routine in vitro diagnostics multiplex platform.

AdnaGen’s circulating tumour cell technology for breast and colon cancer is based on the selection of tumour cells from blood followed by detection of tumour-specific markers using molecular diagnostic techniques. The detection of a broad range of tumour markers results in increased test specificity and sensitivity.

Since tumour cells circulating in the blood generally have a short half-life, the detection of circulating tumour cells indicates active disease. AdnaGen’s licensed proprietary technology, combined with Innogenetics’ expertise in developing multiplex assays will allow the detection of a broad range of tumour markers from circulating tumour cells present in a single blood sample. This new diagnostic assay could result in better characterisation of tumour cells, leading to an improved patient therapy management.

The AdnaGen technology can be applied across cancer treatment. It allows for better prognosis through identifying the circulating tumour cells that indicate a higher risk of tumour progression. Secondly, the detection of circulating tumour cells provides an measure of the treatment efficacy. Re-occurrence of circulating tumour cells may require further, or different, treatment. Finally, the detection of circulating tumour cells months after therapy may indicate that the treated or resected tumour is relapsing.

Frank Morich, CEO of Innogenetics, said, “We are pleased with the feasibility results and believe that monitoring circulating tumour cells will provide physicians the means for improved cancer therapy. Cancer diagnostics is an evolving field and Innogenetics wants to capture part of this market by offering solutions for improved patient management.”