WntResearch and Biovica in Foxy-5 biomarker collaboration
Biovica International AB (publ) have agreed to collaborate with WntResearch AB regarding a biomarker for Foxy-5 treatment. The objective of the research is to deliver a companion diagnostic, a biomarker, coupled with Foxy-5.
Biovica and WntResearch acknowledge the possibility to utilize a blood sample to identify patients that will benefit from Foxy-5. The rationale for the collaboration are several studies demonstrating that thymidine kinase (TK) activity can be measured with high precision by Biovicas DiviTumÒassay and is strongly correlated to tumor aggressiveness. To investigate the connection between TK, Wnt-5a and cancer recurrence, TK will be measured in a planned phase 2 study of patients with colon cancer.
”The biomarker area is currently growing rapidly and predictive markers are in high demand by medical authorities, pharma companies and treating physicians”, says Peter Morsing, CEO WntResearch.
”We’ve noticed an increase in demand for our biomarker by pharma companies developing new drugs. The agreement with WntResearch gives us added knowledge in yet another tumor disease area with the objective to increase patients selected for improved and tailored therapy. We want to contribute to best possible outcome for patients by personalizing the treatment”, says Anders Rylander, CEO Biovica.
Companion diagnostics is part of the development of personalized drugs, precision medicine. The area has lately created great interest in the pharma sector. Swiss Roche acquired US Foundation Medicine in June, focusing on tailored drug research, at a market value of 5.3 billion USD.
More information:
Anders Rylander, CEO Biovica.
Phone: +46 (0)18 444 48 35,
E-mail: anders.rylander@biovica.com
Peter Morsing, vd, WntResearch AB
E-mail: pm@wntresearch.com
Telefon: +46 72 720 0711
This information is information that Biovica International AB is obliged to make public pursuant to the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was submitted for publication, through the agency of the contact person(s) set out above, at 08.30 CET on August 15, 2018.
About Biovica
Biovica develops and commercializes blood-based biomarker assays that improve monitoring of modern cancer therapies and predict patient outcome. The company’s DiviTum® assay, a test for accurately measuring cell proliferation, has successfully demonstrated its capabilities to early evaluate therapy effectiveness in several clinical trials. Biovica aims to make best-possible-treatment from day one a reality.
Biovica collaborates with world-leading cancer institutes as well as pharmaceutical companies launching next-generation therapies. The company is ISO 13485 certified for Quality Management Systems. DiviTum® is CE-labeled and MPA-registered. Appointed Certified Adviser to the company is FNCA Sweden AB.
Read more: www.biovica.com
About WntResearch
WntResearch is developing a new type of cancer treatment based on pioneering research, which shows that the endogenous protein Wnt-5a plays a crucial role for the ability of tumor cells to relocate and spread in the body. Most patients that die of cancer do so not due to the primary tumor, but due to metastases. The need for a specific treatment to counteract metastasis is therefore in high demand.
WntResearch’s most advanced drug candidate Foxy-5 has in preclinical tests been shown to reduce the mobility of tumor cells, thereby counteracting the occurrence of metastases. The results from a completed phase 1b study in patients with colon, prostate or breast cancer, show a favorable safety and pharmacokinetic profile, as well as early indications of biological activity. WntResearch is a public company listed at Spotlight in Stockholm, Sweden.
For further information: www.wntresearch.com
In the event of contradictions or differences between the Swedish press release and this English version of the Swedish text will prevail.
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