Merck gains access to technology in clinical trial with cilengitide
Merck has gained access to technology from OncoMethylome Sciences that could help to establish the clinical value of methylation biomarkers in treating a malignant form of brain cancer.
Merck has gained access to technology from OncoMethylome Sciences that could help to establish the clinical value of methylation biomarkers in treating a malignant form of brain cancer.
OncoMethylome Sciences, a Belgium-based molecular diagnostics business, has agreed to give Merck a worldwide, non-exclusive license to use results from its MGMT gene promoter methylation assay technology to optimise glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) treatment with cilengitide. GBM is the most aggressive and malignant form of glioma or primary brain cancer.
Cilengitide is an investigational integrin inhibitor that is designed to target the tumour and its vasculature.
Herman Spolders, ceo OncoMethylome, said: "This agreement represents another milestone in our efforts to establish the clinical value of methylation biomarkers for aiding physicians in optimising the treatment decision-making process and confirms market interest in our companion diagnostic products"