SYN X Pharma Inc has been granted a non-exclusive world-wide license in the field of point-of-care diagnostics under patent rights of Roche Diagnostics Diagnostics(1) relating to the development, manufacturing and marketing of immunoassays for point-of-care diagnostics that detect the congestive heart failure (CHF) marker NT-proBNP (N-terminal pro-hormone brain natriuretic peptide).

SYN X Pharma simultaneously granted a non-exclusive world-wide license to Roche Diagnostics under patent rights on improvement of SYN X relating to the development, manufacturing and marketing of immunoassays that detect the congestive heart failure (CHF) marker NT-proBNP.

"The cross-licensing agreement between SYN X and Roche Diagnostics is another important step on our way to set up a new gold standard for congestive heart failure testing. Studies show that therapy monitoring with NT-proBNP can reduce cardiovascular events and mortality considerably", said Heino von Prondzynski, Head of Roche Diagnostics and a member of Roche's Corporate Executive Committee. "The cross-licensing agreement between SYN X and Roche Diagnostics combines the best technologies that are currently available in the diagnosis of congestive heart failure. This will help us to set up a new gold standard for congestive heart failure testing", said Heino von Prondzynski, Head of Roche Diagnostics and a member of Roche's Corporate Executive Committee.

SYN X's soon to be launched rapid-format test for CHF, one of only two point-of-care products on the world market, is unique because it will combine two biomarkers, Cardiac Troponin I and NT-proBNP. The new Nexus Dx CHF product will offer substantial improvements, including stability at room temperature, and quicker results, and will enable health professionals to provide an enhanced level of care.

The CHF test is part of a pipeline of Nexus Dx products being developed by SYN X, which includes point-of-care diagnostics for traumatic brain injury, type 1 diabetes and insulin resistance. SYN X has already achieved licensing agreements with Genzyme Corporation for its test for stroke and with Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics Inc. (a Johnson & Johnson company) for its test for Alzheimer's disease.