Epigenomics and Qiagen have entered an option agreement allowing the latter to develop and potentially commercialize a colorectal cancer blood test based on Epigenomics' proprietary biomarker mSEPT9 and certain DNA methylation analysis technologies.
Under the terms of the agreement, Epigenomics will receive an upfront payment and be reimbursed for any support and clinical specimens provided during the R&D phase. Upon Qiagen exercising the option, Epigenomics would receive a further license payment. And once Qiagen commercializes a colorectal cancer blood test based on the biomarkers and technology, Epigenomics would be entitled to royalties on net sales as well as certain commercial milestones upon reaching specific revenue targets.
"With a clear focus on cancer molecular diagnostics and proven excellence in its fully integrated sample preparation and assay technology platforms for molecular testing, QIAGEN is an ideal further partner to give laboratories and thereby physicians and patients broad access to colorectal cancer blood testing as a convenient addition to currently available methods for early detection," says Geert Nygaard, CEO of Epigenomics. "This new agreement significantly expands our existing long-lasting and successful partnership with QIAGEN, and we are looking forward to moving this project to the next stage."
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