Asterand, Rubicon form partnership to discover biomarkers for cancer diagnosis

By Lisa Kerner

Charlotte, N.C., June 27 - Asterand plc signed an agreement with Rubicon Genomics to discover novel biomarkers for cancer diagnosis, according to a company news release.

Under the non-exclusive agreement, Asterand will supply tissue and biofluid samples from its biorepository and clinical collaborators in exchange for royalties on resulting diagnostic tests that are developed.

For its part, Rubicon will use its proprietary MethylPlex technology to discover specific methylated DNA markers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis.

"The current tests to detect cancer are often not sufficiently sensitive to detect cancer at an early stage," Asterand chief scientific officer James Eliason said in a company news release.

"This partnership will help Rubicon develop tests for detecting cancer sooner, in turn leading to more effective treatment."

Detroit-based Asterand supplies human tissue and tissue-based services to drug discovery companies.

Rubicon, located in Ann Arbor, Mich., develops improved technologies for detecting the pattern of DNA methylation in cancer cells.

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