Cangen and Olympus expand lung cancer diagnostics deal:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
Cangen Biotechnologies and Olympus have expanded their collaboration to develop a high-throughput molecular blood test for the early detection of lung cancer. The companies had formed a deal in May 2005 to develop a hybrid DNA- and protein-based lung cancer diagnostic. The expanded collaboration includes funding from Olympus for a prospective clinical study; a trial in Asia is currently recruiting patients. Regarding the test's development, several key DNA markers with 70-80% accuracy have been identified from surgically resected samples. The markers can be used as a hybrid with protein-based markers to improve sensitivity and specificity, Bethesda, Maryland-based Cangen said, adding that it was aiming to gain US approval for the test in around two years.