- CGI will provide comprehensive, biomarker-based patient profiling using technologies such as next generation sequencing (NGS) to provide biomarker-driven insight regarding target engagement and potential response
- The program will study H3's lead oncology drug candidate H3B-8800 - an oral, potent and selective small molecule modulator of splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1) that is being developed by H3 as an anticancer therapeutic agent
- The SF3B1 program represents H3’s most advanced effort in its strategy to impact deregulated RNA homeostasis in cancer through RNA splicing modulation
RUTHERFORD, N.J., July 18, 2016 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Cancer Genetics, Inc. (Nasdaq:CGIX) (“CGI” or “The Company”), a leader in enabling precision medicine for oncology through molecular markers and diagnostics, announces that it has been chosen by H3 Biomedicine Inc. (H3), a biopharmaceutical company specializing in the discovery and development of precision medicines for oncology, and a member of the Eisai Group, to provide clinical biomarker services for H3's lead oncology drug candidate H3B-8800. H3B-8800 is an orally available selective small molecule modulator of splicing factor 3b subunit 1 (SF3B1), which is being developed by the company as an anticancer therapeutic agent for the potential treatment of select hematologic (blood based) cancers. In addition, CGI will support biomarker discovery and development for other early-stage candidates in H3's innovative portfolio.
“We are very pleased to partner with Cancer Genetics and look forward to implementing their established oncology biomarker and molecular testing platforms," said Peter Smith PhD, Vice President, Biology at H3 Biomedicine. “The important insights we may gain through this collaboration will ultimately help us advance our clinical program.”
H3 Biomedicine’s SF3B1 study is the company’s lead clinical program targeting deregulated RNA homeostasis in cancer through RNA splicing modulation. The spliceosome is a cellular complex responsible for the removal of noncoding introns from a transcribed pre-mRNA. Hot-spot mutations in several spliceosome components (e.g. SF3B1, U2AF1, SRSF2, ZRSR2) have been identified in various cancers that lead to aberrant mRNA splicing, potentially contributing to disease pathogenesis. This clinical study expands H3’s existing drug discovery efforts around targeting SF3B1 and splice modulation to design novel treatments for various cancers.
Targeted therapies have the potential of improving the lives of cancer patients and providing them with better treatment outcomes. CGI’s offerings empower biotech and pharma companies like H3 Biomedicine to achieve important clinical milestones through the use of CGI’s extensive oncology-focused menu and biomarker development expertise. The multicenter trial will cover both national and international locations. The services provided by CGI will consist of utilizing various innovative platforms, including next generation sequencing, RNA expression-profiling, and other technologies. CGI expects the trial to continue for the next several years, and may potentially enable an expedited, and more efficient development timeline. The potential targeted therapeutics like H3B-8800 bring to the marketplace is driven by knowledge of target engagement and monitoring of molecular predictors of response.
“Our work with H3Bio is a testament to our ability to integrate new innovations and global trial execution for global biotech and pharma companies in a disease focused manner," said Panna Sharma, Chief Executive Officer and President of CGI. “Our teams are working very well together and are tremendously motivated by the opportunity to help our partner in the implementation of the biomarker program that can accelerate the delivery of breakthrough precision medicines for cancers.”
ABOUT CANCER GENETICS
Cancer Genetics Inc. is a leader in enabling precision medicine in oncology from bench to bedside through the use of oncology biomarkers and molecular testing. CGI is developing a global footprint with locations in the US, India and China. We have established strong clinical research collaborations with major cancer centers such as Memorial Sloan Kettering, The Cleveland Clinic, Mayo Clinic, Keck School of Medicine at USC and the National Cancer Institute.
The Company offers a comprehensive range of laboratory services that provide critical genomic and biomarker information. Its state-of-the-art reference labs are CLIA-certified and CAP-accredited in the US and have licensure from several states including New York State.
For more information, please visit or follow CGI at:
Internet: http://www.cancergenetics.com
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Forward-Looking Statements:
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements pertaining to Cancer Genetics Inc.’s expectations regarding the completion, timing, pricing and size of the offering described in this press release constitute forward-looking statements.
Any statements that are not historical fact (including, but not limited to, statements that contain words such as "will," "believes," "plans," "anticipates," "expects," "estimates") should also be considered to be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, without limitation, risks inherent in the development and/or commercialization of potential products, risks of cancellation of customer contracts or discontinuance of trials, risks that anticipated benefits from acquisitions will not be realized, uncertainty in the results of clinical trials or regulatory approvals, need and ability to obtain future capital, maintenance of intellectual property rights and other risks discussed in the Cancer Genetics, Inc. Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2015 and the Form 10-Q for the Quarter ended March 31, 2016 along with other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Cancer Genetics, Inc. disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.