Cambridge, UK and Omaha, Neb.- Horizon Discovery Ltd, a leading provider of research tools to support translational genomics and the development of personalized medicines, and Transgenomic, Inc. (OTCBB: TBIO), a global biotechnology company advancing personalized medicine in cardiology, oncology, and inherited diseases through diagnostic tests as well as clinical and research services, today announced they have entered into a collaboration agreement to develop improved genetic diagnostic tests incorporating state of the art controls. The collaboration will enable Transgenomic to transition from the use of plasmid-derived controls, to Horizon’s Quantitative Molecular Reference Standards for all of its existing assays, and for any new assays developed in future.
Under the terms of the agreement, Horizon will provide its renewable, genetically defined Quantitative Molecular Reference Standards in both gDNA (genomic DNA) and FFPE (formalin fixed paraffin embedded) format, via its Horizon Diagnostics division. The Quantitative Molecular Reference Standards will be used as advanced reference standards for Transgenomic’s range of genetic diagnostic tests, and in the development of novel tests and in vitro diagnostic testing kits. The Quantitative Molecular Reference Standard products will be chosen from Horizon Diagnostics’ existing inventory of over 300 products, and Horizon’s GENESIS™ gene editing platform will also be employed to precisely engineer new lines as needed, to support the development of the new tests and kits.
“Combining Horizon’s technology for developing reliable, genetically defined Quantitative Molecular Reference Standards, with Transgenomic’s expertise in molecular diagnostic technologies, this collaboration provides strategic opportunities that will significantly benefit our biomarker identification business,” said Paul Kinnon, President and Chief Executive Officer of Transgenomic. “We are excited to be working with Horizon, a leader in the personalized medicine field, as we work to expand our test and kit offerings in the rapidly growing area of companion diagnostics.”
“Transgenomic operates at the cutting edge of molecular diagnostics and is an ideal partner for Horizon,” said Paul Morrill, Senior Vice President of Horizon Diagnostics. “This collaboration adds to our strong network of world class partners practicing high quality science, and contributes to our goal of advancing personalized medicine and ultimately better patient care. We look forward to working with the Transgenomic team.”
Horizon Diagnostics’ Reference Standard product portfolio comprises highly validated, engineered cell line derived material, including purified DNA with matched normal and renewable formalin fixed, paraffin embedded samples. The available specimens cover a growing range of oncology biomarkers, manufactured to precise standards including defined allelic frequencies.
About Horizon Diagnostics
Horizon Diagnostics (HDx), a division of Horizon Discovery Ltd, is an industry-leading provider of quantitative molecular reference standards, including gDNA and cell culture derived FFPE sections. HDx uses a combination of gene editing and digital PCR to engineer reference standards with oncology relevant genotypes at precise allelic frequencies, enabling researchers to establish sensitivity and limit of detection for molecular assays on a routine basis. HDx’s goal is to become the global leader in provision of oncology reference standards across the full range of diagnostic platforms.
About Horizon Discovery
Horizon Discovery Limited (Horizon) is a leading provider of research tools to support translational genomics research and the development of personalized medicines. Using GENESISTM, Horizon is able to alter almost any endogenous gene sequence of a human or mammalian cell-line quickly, reliably and without introducing unwanted and confounding genotypes and/or phenotypes.
Horizon has applied GENESIS™ to create over 500 X-MAN™ cell lines, the world’s first source of genetically-defined and patient-relevant human cell lines, accurately modeling the disease-causing mutations found in cancer patients. These ‘patients-in-a-test-tube’ are being used by academic and industry leaders to identify the effect of individual or compound genetic mutations on drug activity, patient responsiveness, and resistance, which may lead to the successful prediction of which patient sub-groups will respond to currently-available and future drug treatments. This enables the design of shorter, more focused, and less expensive clinical trials, ultimately providing the tools to identify the ‘right drugs’ for the ‘right patients’ based upon the unique genetic mutations that define their disease.
In addition to the X-MAN™ cell lines, Horizon provides GENESIS™ and X-MAN™ derived products and services, with industrial application in: bio-pharmaceutical process optimization; clinical diagnostic development; drug discovery & development; and the provision of reference standards for genomic-based clinical research platforms.
About Transgenomic, Inc.
Transgenomic, Inc. is a global biotechnology company advancing personalized medicine in cardiology, oncology, and inherited diseases. The Company has three complementary business units: Patient Testing, Biomarker Identification, and Genetic Assays and Platforms, which provide specialized diagnostic tests, contract research services for drug development, and equipment, reagents and other consumables for clinical and research applications in molecular testing and cytogenetics.
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Contacts:
For Horizon:
Katie Odgaard
Zyme Communications
Tel: +44(0) 7787 502 947
Email: katie.odgaard@zymecommunications.com
Investor Contact for Transgenomic:
Argot Partners
David Pitts, 212-600-1902
david@argotpartners.com
Company Contact for Transgenomic:
Transgenomic, Inc.
Investor Relations, 402-452-5416
investorrelations@transgenomic.com
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