Clinical Data, Inc. has acquired privately held Epidauros Biotechnologie AG of Bernried, Germany, in a cash transaction valued at 8.75 million euros (or approximately $11.84 million). Epidauros brings to Clinical Data an established portfolio of proprietary genetic biomarkers, expertise in genetic biomarker discovery, relationships with leading diagnostic companies, and a fast-growing pharmacogenomics services business.

Among the strategic assets acquired by Clinical Data in the transaction is a significant intellectual property portfolio that includes biomarkers in genes relating to prominent drug transporters such as MDR1, OCT1, MRP1, and important cytochrome P450 drug metabolizing genes, such as CYP2B6 and CYP2D6. MDR1 encodes P-glycoprotein, a key protein involved in drug transport that is known to modulate drug disposition. In addition, the genes CYP2B6, OCT1, and MRP1 are implicated in the absorption, distribution, and metabolism of many drugs that span a variety of therapeutic classes and indications, and are likely to be important in both response and safety profiles for these drugs.

Clinical Data's president and CEO, Drew Fromkin, said, "We are pleased to have completed this highly strategic transaction, which we believe will enhance Clinical Data's ability to bring valuable, proprietary pharmacogenetic tests to market. Epidauros' intellectual property portfolio holds great promise in critical areas related to drug transport and distribution. In turn, these genetic markers should play a significant role in better understanding drug response in individuals."

"The acquisition of Epidauros also brings to us the assets, know-how, and staff for which Epidauros is so well-respected. In particular, Epidauros will provide Clinical Data with additional scientific expertise, biotechnology partnering capabilities and a deep understanding of European clinical markets. Epidauros has grown its pharmacogenetic services business in support of the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries and earned a reputation for excellence throughout Europe and the US. We expect the capabilities of Epidauros' laboratories to complement those of Clinical Data and to contribute a strong local presence in the important German market. With our operations in the UK and France, this transaction provides Clinical Data with laboratories in three top European markets."

To further advance the combined abilities of the two companies and to expand Clinical Data's clinical testing and targeted therapeutics programs, Michael Lutz, Ph.D., the current CEO of Epidauros, has agreed to join PGxHealth as the Senior Vice President of Pharmacogenetic Partnerships. Dr. Lutz commented, "We welcome the opportunity to become a part of Clinical Data and are excited to join forces and work toward building the world's leading pharmacogenetic enterprise. At Epidauros, we are proud of our history of innovation and our track record with respect to providing pharmacogenetic solutions to many partners. We can now further leverage Epidauros' and Cogenics' support of pharmaceutical trials with our leading pharmaceutical clients. Together, the companies have supported more than 1,000 clinical trials over the past several years. Moreover, the combination of Clinical Data's and our expertise and intellectual property will greatly enhance the collective ability of the companies to develop companion diagnostics to guide drug development and prescribing."

"This acquisition parallels what has been happening in the pharmaceutical industry for many years and should be regarded as being highly positive," said Professor Munir Pirmohamed, Professor of Clinical Pharmacology at The University of Liverpool. "It combines the forces of two well-known companies in this field and provides the infrastructure and expertise to improve the evidence base that is needed to incorporate pharmacogenetic diagnostics into clinical practice. I collaborate with both companies as academic-industrial collaborations are important in keeping with the research strategies of most governments and are ultimately needed to show the clinical validity and utility of pharmacogenetics for the management of expensive and complex disease areas. Hence, genes for drug transporters, such as MDR1 and OCT1 will prove to be as important as the Cytochrome P450 system in determining plasma and tissue levels of drugs, and thereby the efficacy and toxicity of drugs in disease areas including but not limited to oncology, cardiology, CNS, metabolic, and inflammatory diseases and pain."

Clinical Data, Inc. is a global biotechnology company unlocking the potential of molecular discovery, from targeted science to better healthcare. Its PGxHealth division focuses on genetic test and biomarker development to help predict drug safety and efficacy, thereby reducing health care costs and improving clinical outcomes.

Epidauros investigates the genetic factors that influence a person's response to a drug and makes drug development and therapy safer, more efficient and more predictive. The company has established itself as a worldwide leading Pharmacogenetic Research Organization (PRO) providing innovative, integrated and value-added solutions to an international customer base consisting of pharmaceutical companies, CROs and other companies acting in the field of health care.