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First Methylation Assay for Prostate Cancer Introduced by LabCorp
OncoMethylome's gene methylation technology used to advance the diagnosis of prostate cancer

20 May 2008 - OncoMethylome Sciences announced that Laboratory Corporation of America® Holdings (LabCorp®) commercially launched an assay for prostate cancer including the detection of the methylation of the GST-Pi gene in tissue. This is the first DNA methylation test to become commercially and broadly available in the US for clinical use.
 
When utilized in combination with conventional histopathology testing, an assay that detects the methylation status of key genes such as GST-Pi may provide for a more sensitive and accurate detection of prostate cancer than histology alone. The assay is anticipated to be useful for biopsies with suspicious histopathology, in cases where additional prognostic information is needed, and for patients who have elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) values with biopsy findings that are repeatedly negative. According to the company, this is the first commercially available molecular diagnostic test that incorporates OncoMethylome's patented methylation technology. Following numerous published clinical studies demonstrating the value of the GST-Pi methylation marker in prostate cancer, OncoMethylome licensed the prostate cancer applications to Veridex LLC, a Johnson & Johnson company, who subsequently issued a sublicense to LabCorp. Under the terms of the Veridex sublicense agreement, OncoMethylome will receive royalties and milestone payments.