Not even a month after announcing a reagent supply agreement with OncoMethylome Sciences, LabCorp has announced the commercial availability of the Methylation-Specific PCR Assay for monitoring the methylation status of Vimentin DNA.
Marketed as ColoSure(TM) by LabCorp, the MSP Assay is being positioned for assessing any stage colorectal cancer in asymptomatic average risk patients who cannot undergo more invasive exams like a colonoscopy. The assay is performed on a bowel movement, making it a convenient option for this patient segment.
Sensitivity for the assay is reported to be in the range of 72-77% with a specificity range of 83-94%.
“LabCorp is pleased to offer ColoSure to enhance the potential of detecting and treating colorectal cancer in its early or localized stage, when the likelihood of survival is greatest,” said Myla P. Lai-Goldman, M.D., Executive Vice President, and Chief Medical Officer of LabCorp. “ColoSure is a significant addition to LabCorp’s family of advanced molecular tests, to aid in the detection, diagnosis, prognosis, therapy selection, and surveillance of colorectal cancer.”
Under terms of the agreement, OncoMethylome will earn revenue for supplying the reagents and will also qualify for milestones tied to commercial use of the reagents by LabCorp.
We are happy to make our methylation technology available to LabCorp for stool-based colorectal cancer testing. LabCorp’s broad presence in North America and its leadership role in bringing novel screening services to the market, make it an attractive partner for OncoMethylome. Colorectal cancer can be treated effectively if diagnosed early; therefore, making our technology widely available for colorectal cancer screening purposes is of utmost importance” commented Herman Spolders, CEO of OncoMethylome.