Sign in Subscribe
Pharmaceutical industry

Response Genetics and Roche Diagnostics Collaborate on HER2 Gene Expression Testing

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Response Genetics, Inc., a leader in molecular diagnostic testing for cancer, has signed a nonexclusive license with Roche Diagnostics to utilize their patented PCR analysis for assessing human epidermal growth factor type 2 (HER2) gene expression. This collaboration aims to enhance personalized medicine for cancer patients by providing accurate measurements of HER2 gene expression, aiding physicians in making informed treatment decisions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The agreement between Response Genetics and Roche Diagnostics will enable the development of diagnostic tests for cancer, specifically focusing on the measurement of HER2 gene expression.
  • A recent study presented at the 31st Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium found that women with HER2-positive gene expression have a three times higher risk of recurrence, even if the cancer is caught in the early stages.
  • HER2 gene amplification has been shown to correlate with improved clinical outcomes in response to certain cancer drugs, and its measurement by RT-PCR was recently shown to correlate with analyses by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) and immunohistochemistry (IHC).
  • Response Genetics' technologies enable extraction and analysis of genetic information from genes derived from tumor samples stored as formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens.
  • The company generates revenue from diagnostic testing services and sales of proprietary analytical pharmacogenomic testing services to the pharmaceutical industry.
  • Response Genetics has a long-standing relationship with Roche, having strengthened their partnership with this agreement.

Statistics:

  • Women with HER2-positive gene expression have a three times higher risk of recurrence, according to a recent study presented at the 31st Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium.
  • HER2 gene amplification has been shown to correlate with improved clinical outcomes in response to certain cancer drugs.
  • Response Genetics' patented PCR analysis for assessing HER2 gene expression has been licensed by Roche Diagnostics.

Sources:

  • "Response Genetics, Inc. and Roche Announce Collaboration to Develop Diagnostic Test for HER2 Gene Expression" (Source: Response Genetics, Inc.)
  • "31st Annual San Antonio Breast Cancer Symposium" (Source: Cancer Weekly via NewsRx.com)

Read more