Biocartis and VIB, a Flanders, Belgium-based life sciences research institute, have signed their exclusive licensing agreement for a new panel of biomarkers for microsatellite instability (MSI) for various cancers, particularly colorectal cancer. This agreement will Biocartis a unique and user testing to develop,  and where MSI biomarkers quickly and easily by Idylla, the molecular diagnostic platform Biocartis, can be detected.

Biocartis develops innovative and user-friendly diagnostic platform Idylla for the molecular analysis of clinical samples. Biocartis also develops a wide range of diagnostic tests for various domains, with main focus on oncology today. For the development of a new test for microsatellite instability Biocartis now joining forces with the world-renowned research institute VIB.

Microsatellite instability (MSI) is one of the most important molecular markers for colon cancer, but is also important in ovary, uterus, and stomach cancers. MSI develops as a result of the inactivation of the DNA-"mismatch repair" system (MMR), and occurs in approximately 15 per cent of all colorectal cancers.

A completely new set of MSI markers is now introduced by Prof. Dr Diether Lambrechts (Vesalius Research Centre, VIB, KU Leuven) by the sequencing of the entire genome in intestinal and uterine cancers with MMR deficiency. Prof. Lambert explains: "We can prove that our pioneering set of markers has a higher specificity and sensitivity than the current gold standard for MSI I am delighted to be working with Biocartis, for the clinical application of these markers will improve detection. make tumors with MSI as possible. "

Following the licensing agreement with VIB Biocartis is a new colon cancer test for the detection of MSI develop biomarkers. Because of the technical complexity of today - developed by laboratories - testing, MSI tests are little used at present. To provide a simple and user testing on Idylla platform Biocartis could open up this market.

Geert Maertens, CSO at Biocartis, said: "This agreement is a good example of the utilization of new biomarkers of excellent research centers such as the VIB lab of Prof. Lambert Together with our main panel of cancer mutations and the newly-licensed EGFR S492R mutation. Hospital del Mar, we are building a unique menu of colon cancer testing for us Idylla platform."

Financial terms of the licensing agreement were not disclosed.

Biocartis aims to improve quality of life by enabling direct access to personalized medicine to patients worldwide. Its goal is to advance medical treatment through the broad implementation of state-of-the-art diagnostic tests performed close to the clinical decision-making point.