Epigenomics in cancer deal with Biogen Idec:
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
German firm Epigenomics has entered into a research collaboration with pharmaceutical company Biogen Idec, to identify cancer-specific biomarkers using its proprietary DNA methylation technology. If the programme is successful, Epigenomics may exercise its option to develop a future pharmadiagnostic product with the drug developer. DNA methylation is a naturally occurring "switch" that controls the activity and expression of genes, including those for cancer. Changes in the patterns of DNA methylation can help identify those individuals most at risk of developing cancer and help assess their suitability for drug therapy. Pharmaceutical giants AstraZeneca and Wyeth have already secured similar agreements with Epigenomics, using their own anti-cancer therapies (Clinica No 1088, p 18).