MEDIA RELEASE PR36452
Clinical Genomics Continues Collaborative Research with CSIRO
SYDNEY, Oct. 7 /Medianet International-Asianet/--
Sydney-based Clinical Genomics Pty Ltd and CSIRO have entered into a new phase in their collaboration to
develop improved diagnostics for cancers of the colon and rectum (bowel cancer).
In an earlier research program, Clinical Genomics and researchers from CSIRO's Preventative Health
Flagship used advanced genomics and mathematics to identify a number of biomarker genes capable of
differentiating between bowel cancer tissue, even at its very earliest stages, and normal bowel tissue. Clinical
Genomics and CSIRO have filed jointly-owned patents based on these discoveries.
While this initial research is exciting, the next challenge will be to identify which of these biomarkers can be
found in clinical samples, such as blood or stool, with the accuracy to improve diagnosis of bowel cancer. The
new collaboration between Clinical Genomics and CSIRO is aimed at addressing this challenge with a
particular emphasis on biomarkers for the early treatable stages of disease.
CSIRO has developed a suite of molecular technologies that improve detection of DNA methylation - a
chemical change to the structure of DNA associated with some candidate biomarker genes.
CSIRO and Clinical Genomics will now use these proprietary technologies to research and develop a
clinical test aimed at testing patient blood and stool for the early detection of bowel cancer. If this research is
successful, these assays will be commercially developed and delivered by Clinical Genomics.
Clinical Genomics' CEO, Lawrence LaPointe, says the decision to extend the collaborative relationship
between the company and CSIRO should reap rewards.
"We believe that CSIRO offers both innovative technologies and world-class scientists in the field of DNA
diagnostics for cancer," Mr LaPointe says. "Both of these resources will be a key factor in achieving success in
this project."
The leader of CSIRO's Colorectal Cancer and Gut Health Theme, Dr. Trevor Lockett, says the agreement is
an important strategic initiative.
"It provides a strong pathway to achieving both Clinical Genomics' and CSIRO's shared goal of improving
the diagnosis and prognosis of bowel cancer and thereby reducing the impact of this debilitating disease on
patients in Australia and globally."
Further Information:
Dr. Lindsay Collinson,
Clinical Genomics Pty Ltd
Ph: +61 2 9888 9065 ext. 206
E: Lindsay.collinson@clinicalgenomics.com
Mb: +61 400 995 617
SOURCE: Clinical Genomics Pty Ltd
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