OncoMethylome Sciences S.A. entered into a broad technology licensing agreement with Epigenomics AG. Under the terms of the agreement, OncoMethylome obtained worldwide non-exclusive rights to several of Epigenomics' proprietary core technologies such as its MethyLight portfolio for the sensitive and quantitative detection of DNA methylation for in vitro diagnostic product development and commercialisation.

Further, OncoMethylome obtained rights to HeavyMethyl technology, plus certain microarray-based technologies for DNA methylation analysis. In return for the licenses, Epigenomics will receive an up-front payment and is eligible for royalties to be paid on any eventual commercial exploitation of the technologies by OncoMethylome and any of its partners who choose to sublicense such technology. Both companies continue to independently develop their own products and biomarker licenses have not been granted.

The companies, however, did not disclose further details and financial terms of the agreement.

"Through this strategic and broad technology licensing agreement with OncoMethylome, with the first diagnostics tests based on DNA methylation technology reaching the market in the near future, the companies took an important step towards establishing a unified industry standard for DNA methylation detection," said Dr. Kurt Berlin, chief scientific officer, Epigenomics.

OncoMethylome Sciences is a molecular diagnostics company developing gene methylation tests to assist physicians in effectively detecting and treating cancer. Specifically, the company's tests are designed to help the physician (i) accurately detect cancer in early stages of cancer development, (ii) predict a patient's response to drug therapy, and (iii) predict the likelihood of cancer recurrence.