Orion Genomics Collaborates with Washington University to Develop Cancer Screenings

Strategic Insights -

Orion Genomics has initiated partnerships with renowned researchers at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri, to discover novel biomarkers for early cancer detection. The collaborations aim to identify "Second Code" biomarkers, which include DNA methylation patterns that indicate the presence of cancer and its responsiveness to certain therapies. This research will enable Orion Genomics to develop tests that detect trace amounts of methylated tumor DNA in easily accessible tissues, such as blood serum, biopsies, and cell scraps. The company anticipates launching these tests within three years.

Key Takeaways:

  • Orion Genomics is collaborating with researchers at Washington University to develop novel biomarkers for early cancer detection.
  • The collaborations will focus on common cancers, including lung, breast, cervical, prostate, and ovarian cancer.
  • Scientists will search for "Second Code" biomarkers, which provide information on the regulation of genes and indicate the presence of cancer and its responsiveness to therapies.
  • The research will enable Orion Genomics to develop tests that detect trace amounts of methylated tumor DNA in easily accessible tissues.
  • The company expects to market the tests within three years.
  • Key researchers in the collaborations include Paul Goodfellow, PhD, Peter Humphrey, MD, PhD, Howard McLeod, PharMD, Joel Picus, MD, Matthew Powell, MD, and Mark Watson, MD, PhD.
  • Drs. McLeod and Watson are scientific consultants for Orion Genomics.
  • Orion Genomics is a biotechnology company developing oncology diagnostic products.

Statistics:

  • Orion Genomics is collaborating with researchers at Washington University to develop novel biomarkers for cancer detection.
  • The collaborations will focus on common cancers, including lung, breast, cervical, prostate, and ovarian cancer.
  • Orion Genomics expects to launch cancer screening tests within three years.
  • Key researchers involved in the collaborations are from diverse fields, including surgery, genetics, obstetrics and gynecology, internal medicine, and pathology and immunology.

Sources:

  • "Orion Genomics Announces Collaborations with Washington University Researchers," Health & Medicine Week, 2005.