Lab21 Limited, the Cambridge, UK-based specialist in personalised medicine announced the completion of an exclusive global licence from the Medical University of South Carolina's (MUSC) Foundation for Research Development which allows the detection and analysis of genetic variants of the human carboxylesterase-1 gene (CES-1). CES1 is a gene which influences how the body metabolises certain treatments, and can have a significant effect on the effectiveness of therapeutic drugs, making genetic screening a valuable clinical tool in predicting patient response, and ensuring the optimum treatment.
Lab21 will offer CES-1 analysis from both of its service laboratories in Greenville, SC and Cambridge, UK and will also be developing commercial diagnostic kits through its Diagnostic Products Division. These kits will be sold to pathology laboratories throughout the world. Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Natural genetic variants of the CES-1 gene can have profound effects on the way in which the body metabolises specific drugs including representative drugs from almost every therapeutic class. Consequences of the presence of these variants include the inability of the body to properly utilize the drug, potential for unanticipated toxicities, and overall therapeutic failure in treating the targeted disease or disorder. Dr Berwyn Clarke, chief scientific officer commented: "The acquisition of this licence is another step towards Lab21 becoming a leading global provider of diagnostic services and products in the personalised medicine arena. Pharmacogenetics and companion diagnostic services are becoming an integral part of modern medicine. Detailed understanding of the ways that the body manages pharmaceuticals is a major factor in the drug development process. The introduction of CES-1 analysis adds another component to the growing arsenal of pharmacogenetic tests which can assist in optimised personalised medicine".
Graham Mullis, CEO, added: "This license is a significant milestone for Lab21 as we expand our collaborative reach into the US and this transaction marks the first of a number of technology deals which Lab21 plans to execute in the biomarker and companion diagnostic field".
"We are delighted by this first step of our growing relationship with the Medical University of South Carolina. Lab21 is well suited to working with medical schools and other healthcare providers who need the expertise to develop and commercialize biomarkers for use in personalized medicine," said Michael Bolick, president Lab21 Inc.
Lab21 is a global provider of state-of-the-art diagnostic products and services, supporting blood bank screening, medical diagnostics and drug discovery. Its customers include international healthcare providers, pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.
Founded in 1824 in Charleston, The Medical University of South Carolina is the oldest medical school in the Southern United States. Today, MUSC continues the tradition of excellence in education, research, and patient care. MUSC educates and trains more than 3,000 students and residents, and has nearly 11,000 employees, including approximately 1,500 faculty members.