Agencourt Bioscience Corporation, a Beckman Coulter company, played an important role in a newly released study from Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Agencourt’s Genomic Services took part in the study, which follows a major report last year that announced the discovery of 200 genes linked to breast and colon cancers. This second report completes the study of the vast majority of protein-coding genes and catalogs the genetic changes that occur during tumorigenesis. Three Agencourt individuals—James Hartigan, Douglas R. Smith and Erick Suh—were among the authors of the study, "The Genomic Landscape of Human Breast and Colorectal Cancers," published in Science Express during the week of October 8, 2007.
All of the sequencing work and data generation for the study were done by Agencourt’s Genomic Services, which has a long-standing relationship with the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center scientists.
According to a news release issued by the Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center, scientists involved in the study found that most cancer-causing gene mutations are quite diverse and can vary from person to person. Of the 70 to 80 genes that are mutated in an individual cancer, about 15 are likely to contribute to the cancer’s key characteristics and most of these genes are different for each patient. With no more higher-frequency mutations (such as p53) on the horizon, researchers can focus on these less-commonly mutated genes and the complicated protein pathways that link them. Personalized cancer genomic research paves the way for tailored therapies and diagnostics focusing on the alterations identified in a particular patient's cancer.
"The research findings have important implications in the development of personal genomics, including molecular diagnostic tests, which are of great interest to Beckman Coulter," commented Erick Suh, Genomic Services director for Agencourt. "As the leading provider of DNA sequencing services, we have developed strong relationships with leading cancer research teams such as Johns Hopkins and are proud to contribute to these scientific advancements."
Beckman Coulter Announces Licensing Option Agreements for Cancer Genes With Johns Hopkins University
Contracts Establish Exclusive Access to Diagnostic Application of Research Discoveries
Beckman Coulter has signed two agreements with Johns Hopkins University giving the company exclusive options to license cancer genomics intellectual property.
The first agreement covers 200 genes linked to breast and colon cancer, discovered in a landmark study published last year by researchers at Johns Hopkins Kimmel Cancer Center. Beckman Coulter Agencourt subsidiary’s Genomic Services performed the sequencing for this study, which was co-authored by James Hartigan, an Agencourt project manager. The second agreement covers sequencing services and options to license genomic intellectual property from current studies on six additional cancers.
"These unprecedented agreements put Beckman Coulter in a unique, leading-edge position in the molecular diagnostics field," commented Bruce Wallace, vice president of Beckman Coulter's Molecular Diagnostics Business Center. "Beckman Coulter will have the exclusive option to license any of the genetic mutations discovered in these studies that have diagnostic potential. Given the leadership role Johns Hopkins is playing in cancer genetics, our relationship with them will help propel us to the forefront of this rapidly developing field."
With these new agreements, Beckman Coulter will have first access to Johns Hopkins cancer study data. The company’s molecular diagnostics assay group is already evaluating the breast and colon cancer genes. “The success of our long term strategic plan is dependent in part on our development of a robust molecular diagnostics business,” Wallace continued. “We are already in the process of moving our research genomics technologies into platforms for diagnostic use. Building content, or approved tests for that platform, from research such as the John Hopkins cancer genomics studies, will enhance our success.” |
