HistoRx is planning to launch clinical diagnostic assays based on Aqua technology, and Genoptix, a laboratory service provider, is planning to launch NexCourse BCa by Aqua technology, a suite of breast cancer assays based on quantitative immunohistochemistry, as part of a multi-year licensing agreement entered in February 2010.
Genoptix said that NexCourse BCa by Aqua technology is more reproducible than traditional IHC testing, for confidence in determining appropriate therapy and minimises receptor status false-negative results by utilising an objective, quantified score for protein expression that provides more accurate results.
Additionally, it is ideal for confirmatory testing of ER/PR/HER2 status prior to hormonal therapy, antibody-based therapy and/or chemotherapy when initial results are inconclusive or negative.
Genoptix has obtained exclusive commercial laboratory rights in the US to develop and perform estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR) and human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) assays using HistoRx’s technology.
HistoRx CEO Rana Gupta said that the breast cancer community will be the immediate beneficiaries of the quantification and reproducibility of measurement inherent in NexCourse BCa by Aqua technology.
“Genoptix has gained the trust of community oncologists and their patients by offering high quality laboratory testing, and HistoRx couldn’t think of a more appropriate inaugural partner for commercialisation of these assays,” Gupta said.
Genoptix SVP and chief technology officer Mike Nerenberg said that Aqua technology is noted for its reproducible quantitation of protein biomarkers in tissue, and can therefore give oncologists confidence when determining the appropriate therapy for their breast cancer patients.