MolecularMD Corp. Obtains Exclusive License to Uses of FGFR2 Activating Mutations in Endometrial Cancer

PORTLAND, OR--(Marketwired - May 30, 2013) - MolecularMD Corp. announced today that it has entered into a license agreement granting the company exclusive patent rights to cancer diagnosis technology. Specifically, MolecularMD has obtained rights to commercialize patent-pending intellectual property pertaining to Fibroblast Growth Factor Receptor 2 (FGFR2) activating mutations for diagnostic, prognostic and predictive uses in human endometrial cancer. Such patent rights are jointly-owned by Washington University, St. Louis, Missouri and Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona. The inventors named in these patent rights include Pamela M. Pollock at Translational Genomics Research Institute, Phoenix, Arizona and Paul J. Goodfellow of the Siteman Cancer Center and Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.

About FGFR2 Activating Mutations in Endometrial Cancer
Endometrial carcinoma is the second leading cause of gynecologic cancer mortality in developed countries with an estimated 47,000 new cases and 8,000 deaths in the United States in 2012. In recent years, better understanding of the molecular and genetic basis of cancer has led to the investigation of new targeted therapies that inhibit the cellular signaling pathways involved in cell growth and proliferation. Regarding the FGF pathway, activating mutations in FGF receptor 2 have been identified in 10% of the primary uterine tumors studied. The most common mutations occur within the extracellular ligand-binding domain of FGFR2 and account for 47% of mutations identified thus far. Several promising therapies targeting mutant FGFR2 are currently in development for multiple types of epithelial cancers. Knowledge of patient FGFR2 mutation status should help identify new therapies and improve endometrial cancer patient survival.

MolecularMD is developing diagnostic assays for FGFR2 mutation status in support of the clinical development of FGFR inhibitors. MolecularMD provides comprehensive clinical trial support through its CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited Clinical Reference Laboratory. In addition, MolecularMD provides IVD development and manufacturing capability to support companion diagnostic device commercialization. MolecularMD will also support further commercialization of FGFR2 activating mutation detection technology through sublicensing to Clinical Reference Laboratories and diagnostic assay developers and manufacturers.

According to Dr. Cindy Spittle, MolecularMD's Director of Scientific Affairs, "Recent data on the molecular classification of endometrial tumors shows great promise in guiding and advancing targeted drug development for this disease. FGFR2 genotype will be an important factor in determining personalized therapy strategies for endometrial cancer patients." 

For additional information, please contact MolecularMD at 1-877-459-4979 or visit its website at www.molecularmd.com

About MolecularMD
MolecularMD Corporation develops and commercializes specialty molecular diagnostics for oncology applications. Its tests are designed to allow appropriate selection, monitoring and management of patients treated with molecularly-targeted cancer therapies. MolecularMD incorporates gold-standard and innovative technologies in providing its partners with the highest quality results. Assays are designed to meet clinical trial needs, and MolecularMD has appropriate systems and standards in place to enable development of companion diagnostic tests in conjunction with partners' novel anticancer agents. A private company based in Portland, Oregon, MolecularMD was founded by Dr. Brian Druker, director of the Knight Cancer Institute at Oregon Health & Science University, and Sheridan G. Snyder, entrepreneur and founder of Genzyme Corporation.