Press Release Summary = Gentris obtains rights from Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research to provide genetic testing services for mutations associated with adverse reactions to irinotecan
Press Release Body = Research Triangle Park, North Carolina - April 24 2006 - Gentris Corporation, a leading global provider of applied clinical pharmacogenomic services and diagnostic product solutions, today announced that the company has signed a sub-licensing agreement with Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research to provide genetic testing services for the UGT1A1 gene.
The UGT1A1 gene is known to be involved in the metabolism of irinotecan (Camptosar®), a commonly-prescribed first-line treatment for advanced colon cancer and rectal cancer. Though proven effective, irinotecan can cause dangerous or lethal adverse reactions in up to 30 percent of the population due to genetic inability to properly metabolize the compound. Recognizing this, the FDA has recently revised the safety labeling for Camptosar® to recommend reduced dosing in patients who test homozygous for the *28 variant of the UGT1A1 gene.
An estimated 145,000 new cases of colorectal cancer are diagnosed in the United States each year making it the third most common cancer. Up to 50 percent of cases are candidates for irinotecan therapy. "The ability to genotype patients for UGT1A1 before they are treated with irinotecan puts Gentris at the cutting edge of pharmacogenomics," commented Michael Murphy, President and CEO of Gentris. "Irinotecan is a classic example of a drug that has an enhanced safety profile when administered in conjunction with pharmacogenomic testing. We are proud to be one of the select laboratories that is helping to ensure proper administration and dosing of this drug."
As a result of this non-exclusive agreement with Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, Gentris is poised to offer UGT1A1 genotyping for cancer patients being treated with irinotecan. In addition to colorectal cancer, irinotecan is also being tested and used for other gastrointestinal cancers as well as lung cancer and breast carcinoma.
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About Gentris Corporation Gentris Corporation is a leading global provider of applied clinical pharmacogenomic services and diagnostic product solutions. As pioneers in the field of pharmacogenomics, Gentris helps pharmaceutical companies and clinical research organizations effectively integrate pharmacogenomics into their drug development programs to deliver safer, more effective compounds to the market sooner. Gentris is developing validated reference controls and diagnostic test kits that will bring the promise of personalized medicine to physicians and patients, which will enhance patient management, improve patients\' response to therapy and revolutionize medicine through pharmacogenomics. For additional information, please visit http://www.gentris.com.
Web Site = http://www.gentris.com
Contact Details = Jonathan Jordan press@gentris.com 919-557-7890
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