AlphaGene, Inc. has discovered a new member of the CEA subgroup, AG128375 specific for prostate cancer. The company anticipates the antigen may provide a more reliable marker for prostate cancer than PSA.

AmeriPath, Inc. and Genomics Collaborative, Inc. have entered into an alliance giving AmeriPath an option to license select molecular markers for diagnostic applications. The first test is a marker for the prognosis of breast cancer.

Amplistar, Inc., has signed an exclusive worldwide license agreement with Johns Hopkins University, to commercialize immunogenic ovarian cancer gene products for both diagnostic and therapeutic purposes.

BioCurex Inc. is developing the Histo-RECAF diagnostic kit that is based on the RECAF receptor as a cancer marker for breast tissue. At present, no other marker provides this level of detection for breast cancer.

Bio-Rad Laboratories has launched its new DNA-based products, the mDx line of ASRs for hereditary hemochromatosis.

Diagnocure Inc. is developing a prostate cancer test expected to come to market in 2003. The uPM3 test detects PCA3 RNA expression in prostate cancer cells that are present in urine. The test is based on RNA extraction by BOOM technology and RNA amplification by NASBA, both of which are licensed from Organon Teknika.

EXACT Sciences has introduced the PreGen-26 test, a genomics-based cancer screening test. PreGen-26 is a stool-based test designed to detect colorectal cancer in people with known or suspected hereditary non-polyposis colorectal cancer.

Genaissance Pharmaceuticals, Inc. is conducting a prospective personalized medicine clinical trial, STRENGTH (Statin Response Examined by Genetic HAP Markers). The study is designed to link specific gene markers to clinical response so that physicians can decide which cholesterol lowering drug to prescribe. The study is expected to be completed in 2002. The four drugs under study are: Lipitor, Zocor, Pravachol and Baycol.

Genmab A/S and deCode are developing a DNA-based test to predict individual clinical response to Genmab's antibody treatment for rheumatoid arthritis. The test will identify genetic factors predictive of responsiveness to HuMax-CD4, a fully human monoclonal antibody developed by Genmab and now in Phase II clinical trials for use in treating the disease. deCODE will develop an RNA- or DNA-based test that can be employed by doctors to determine the best treatment regimes for individual RA patients. deCODE is already working with Roche Diagnostics to identify genes linked to RA for the purpose of developing novel small molecule treatments.

Myriad Genetics, Inc., Hitachi, Ltd. and Oracle have formed an alliance to map the human proteome. The alliance partners expect to collect this information in a proprietary database of all human protein interactions, all biochemical pathways and a comprehensive catalog of purified proteins by 2004.

Pyrosequencing AB has introduced a new sample preparation method for their SNP analysis and, recently introduced, Sequence Analysis solutions. The new process requires little or no optimization and is easily automated. The method is compatible with the company's PSQ 96 System and PTP, its high- throughput SNP analysis solution. The sample preparation method converts crude biotinylated PCR products into pure single-stranded DNA templates, using streptavidin-coated Sepharose based beads as the solid-phase carrier of the DNA.

Virtek Vision International Inc. has acquired FONA Technologies. Together, the companies are developing a disposable Fibre-Optic Nucleic Acid (FONA) biosensor for genetic testing.

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