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DxS and ETS Laboratories Announce Licensing Agreement of Scorpions™
Technology
Manchester (UK) and Saint Helena, California
(USA), September 13th 2004 - DxS Ltd, a genotyping services
and personalised medicine company, and ETS Laboratories, a company
specialised in analytical services to the wine and beverage industries,
today announced they have signed a licence agreement for DxS' Scorpions™
technology. Under the terms of the agreement, ETS Laboratories (ETS)
will gain access to Scorpions for the development of wine and beverage
spoilage detection tools. ETS Laboratories, based in California's
Napa Valley, is the world leader for innovation in wine analysis.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Scorpions is a proprietary fluorescence-based
nucleic acid detection and genotyping system developed by DxS' founders.
The technology provides an accurate, rapid and reliable signal generation
system with applications in personalised medicine, genotyping and
now, environmental applications.
Commenting on the agreement, Gordon Burns, ETS
Chief Executive Officer and Technical Director, said: "Scorpions
will allow our team of microbiologists and molecular biologists
to develop unique and extremely sophisticated real-time detection
tools for spoilage micro organisms occurring in wine and other beverages.
This advanced technology offers reliable and highly sensitive DNA
detection, key attributes that will bring rapid diagnostics to the
wine industry through our exclusive licensing agreement. The forensic
era of wine spoilage testing is over. We will offer winemakers,
around the globe, the ability to screen for important spoilage organisms
within hours of sampling."
Dr Stephen Little, Chief Executive Officer of
DxS, added: "Scorpions is a unique and flexible technology
and is therefore an ideal choice for ETS in its quest for molecular
analysis. "ETS' research and development team has extensive
experience in the development of molecular detection assays. The
company has a dominant market position within world wine analysis
and we are pleased to provide a technology that meets both their
technical and commercial requirements. We look forward to their
continued success with Scorpions."
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Genetic Mutation Assay Brings Personalised Cancer Treatment One-step
Closer
Manchester, UK, June 14th 2004 - DxS Ltd,
the personalised medicine company, announced today that it had taken
a step closer to its goal of improving drug therapy by developing
a diagnostic test which predicts response to anti-cancer drugs.
This follows the recent announcement by two leading
US academic teams, at Massachusetts General Hospital and the Dana
Farber Cancer Institute, that they had identified a set of genetic
mutations that correlated with response to AstraZeneca's lung cancer
drug Iressa. This is a therapy that works very well, but only in
a small proportion of patients. Now, scientists have discovered
a group of mutations in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)
- the target for the drug - that explain a big part of this drug's
activity1-2. Patients who acquire one of these mutations do extremely
well on Iressa. Unfortunately, the mutations are quite rare; only
about 10 percent of patients show this response.
Iressa is by no means the only therapy that targets
EGFR and now the FDA has stated that, "We will be asking people,
especially those developing EGFR-targeting drugs, to look at this
information." To allow this kind of testing in tandem with
the use of Iressa and other drugs that target EGFR, such as Roche's
Tarceva and Pfizer's CI-1033, there is a need for validated diagnostic
assays.
However, there is a complication with the type
of testing needed for this application. Because the mutations are
found in the tumour they may constitute only a very small proportion
of the total genetic material. For this reason any test must be
very sensitive and able to detect low level mutations. DxS recently
announced a licensing agreement with AstraZeneca to access the drugs
giant's ARMS technology. "ARMS is a very powerful method to
detect under-represented mutations," commented DxS's Chief
Scientific Officer, Dr David Whitcombe. "When coupled with
DxS's Scorpions detection system, we are able to detect mutations
even when they comprise less than 1% of the total genetic material."
DxS's Chief Executive Officer, Dr Stephen Little,
added, "We were very pleased when the EGFR data was announced.
Our diagnostic test, which will meet all the standards of the European
IVD regulations, will be useful initially within clinical studies
to help to assess the clinical utility of the EGFR data. Subsequently
it will be used as a diagnostic to identify good candidates for
Iressa and other therapies. This is exactly the type of data that
is required to progress the development of personalised medicine".
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DxS Announces Second Round Funding Led by Northern Venture Managers
to Expand Personalised Medicine Business
Manchester, UK, April 19th 2004 - DxS,
a leading personalised medicine company, announced today the closing
of a £1 million-plus second round funding led by Northern
Venture Managers (NVM). The funding will go toward the further roll
out of products and services that identify who responds best to
different types of medicine. DxS's proprietary technology, Scorpions™,
identifies variations (called Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms- SNPs),
in an individual's DNA, allowing doctors to predict whether a patient
will benefit from a particular drug.
Current medicines are only safe and effective
for a certain percentage of patients. Tailoring medicines to match
an individual's genetic makeup will improve therapeutic effectiveness,
reduce undesirable side effects and increase the cost-effectiveness
of treatments.
Manchester-based DxS was founded by ex-AstraZeneca
managers in 2001, to exploit its patented Scorpions technology.
It was funded initially by NVM with investment of £2 million.
The current round, led by NVM, has secured investment from two specialist
technology funds: the BioScience VCT plc, managed by Octopus Asset
Management and advised by Cambridge-based biotechnology specialist
Medical Marketing International Group Plc; and the British Smaller
Technology Companies VCT2 plc, managed by Yorkshire Fund Managers.
The North West Business Investment Scheme managed by Yorkshire Fund
Managers Limited also invested in this round.
Dr Stephen Little, CEO of DxS, said: "Within
a relatively short time we have been able to prove the commercial
success of our business model. In addition to seeing a growing demand
for our in-house testing service from pharmaceutical companies and
clinical research organisations we have also licensed our Scorpions™
technology to six other companies. This additional funding will
enable us to expand our global technology licensing program as well
as provide funds to grow our in-house testing service."
NVM's Investment Manager, Jeff Holder, said: "We
continue to be impressed by the DxS management team and have every
confidence that they will go from strength to strength in a rapidly
growing market. Yet again, NVM is demonstrating its commitment to
the biotechnology market and its ability to identify and support
exceptional commercial opportunities in this sector."
Chris Hulatt, Asset Manager from Octopus said
"We are pleased to have participated in this funding round
for DxS as we believe that the company has the management team and
the technology to benefit from the anticipated growth in pharmacogenomics."
Doug Stellman, Yorkshire Fund Managers Investment
Manager said "This round underlines the global importance of
pharmacogenomics. The DxS team and technology has succeeded in attracting
investment from two specialist technology funds. As for the North
West Business Investment Scheme, it is delighted to participate
as this is exactly the sort of emerging technology business that
the North West wants."
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BTG and DxS Sign Exclusive Licence with AstraZeneca to Commercialise
ARMS™ DNA Diagnostic Technology
London, UK, March 23, 2004 - DxS and BTG
(LSE: BGC) announced today that they have signed an exclusive licence
with AstraZeneca to commercialise the company's proprietary Amplification
Refractory Mutation System (ARMS™) DNA diagnostic technology.
ARMS™ is a simple, reliable and widely used method for the
detection of gene mutations and single nucleotide polymorphisms.
Under this agreement, BTG and DxS will assume
certain rights to the intellectual property and will further commercialise
the technology within the diagnostic and research markets. The licensing
campaign will be aimed at maximising the commercial value for the
ARMS™ technology via companies that offer products and services
which relate to the detection of genetic variation, companies that
are currently using ARMS™ technology as part of their in-house
research activities, as well as encouraging new and novel applications
for this powerful technology.
The $1 billion nucleic acid diagnostic market
includes testing for infectious and genetic diseases, as well as
cell/tissue typing, cancer genetics and personalised medicine. It
is the fastest growing sector of the diagnostic marketplace, increasing
at a rate of 20-40% per annum. This could, according to some industry
experts, create a potential $8-10 billion market segment by 2010.
ARMS™ technology has applications throughout this market such
as the detection of genetic variations in the genes responsible
for common diseases, including cancer and heart disease. ARMS™
can also be used in personalised medicine tests, to predict which
individuals will respond well to a medicine, and typing infectious
pathogens.
Dr Joe Carey, Vice President of BTG's Strategic
Business Development Group, commented, "We are pleased that
AstraZeneca has elected to partner with BTG and DxS to realise the
full value of its ARMS™ technology. BTG's success in strategic
licensing has been based upon gaining a thorough understanding of
the technology and key market applications across a range of industries
including the bio-medical field."
Dr Stephen Little, CEO of DxS, added, "ARMS™
is an important and valuable genetic analysis technique. By combining
the scientific and marketing expertise of DxS with the commercial
capabilities of BTG, we will be able to release the inherent value
of the AstraZeneca technology.
DxS has considerable expertise in the development and application
of technologies for nucleic acid analysis, and ARMS™ is an
excellent fit with our current portfolio. We are looking forward
to building on our long-standing relationship with AstraZeneca."
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DxS and Sangtec Molecular Diagnostics announce licensing agreement
of Scorpions™ Technology
Manchester (UK) and Stockholm (Sweden),
18th February 2004 - DxS Ltd, a genotyping services and personalised
medicine company, and Sangtec Molecular Diagnostics AB, a company
specialized in developing and marketing standardised clinical molecular
diagnostic tests, today announced they have signed a licence agreement
for DxS' Scorpions™ technology. Under the terms of the agreement
Sangtec Molecular Diagnostics (SMD) will gain access to Scorpions
for the development of human in vitro diagnostic kits in clinical
diagnostics. Sweden-based SMD is a fully owned subsidiary of Germany-based
Altana Pharma AG, the pharmaceutical group of Altana AG. Financial
terms were not disclosed.
Scorpions is a proprietary fluorescence-based
nucleic acid detection and genotyping system developed by DxS' founders.
The technology provides an accurate, rapid and reliable signal generation
system with applications in genotyping, infectious disease testing
and RNA expression profiling.
Commenting on the agreement, Dr Eva Pisa, Chief
Executive Officer of SMD, said: "DxS' Scorpions technology
offers reliable and highly sensitive DNA detection, key attributes
that will support the development of our PCR-based tests as we look
to extend the range of products within our core markets of oncology
and infectious disease. This is in line with our focus to develop
and produce precise nucleic acid-based tests for the benefit of
patients through improved diagnosis and tailoring of treatment regimes."
Dr Steve Little, Chief Executive Officer of DxS,
added: "We are delighted that SMD has chosen to use Scorpions
for the expansion of its diagnostics portfolio. SMD has extensive
experience in the development and production of PCR-based diagnostics.
The company has a reputation for quality and safety, and a strong
market position within Europe. We are excited that Scorpions is
rapidly establishing itself as a valued technology among diagnostics
providers. This is in addition to the confidence placed in Scorpions
by our partners who access the technology via our clinical genotyping
service."
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DxS STRENGTHENS ITS BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT TEAM - Dr Hans Vanhooren
Appointed as European Business Development Manager
Manchester (UK), 11th August 2003 - DxS
Ltd announced today the expansion of its Business Development team
with the appointment of Dr Hans Vanhooren as European Business Development
Manager. Dr Vanhooren joins DxS from Covance Inc. where he was an
account executive within Clinical and Periapproval Services in Europe.
Dr Vanhooren has extensive experience of marketing
both services and products to major companies in the pharmaceutical
and biotechnology industries. Prior to joining Covance in 2001,
Dr Vanhooren worked for Amersham Biosciences for over four years
in a number of roles including Business Development Manager for
Amersham's Technology Programs in Europe.
Commenting on today's appointment, Dr Steve Little,
Chief Executive Officer of DxS, said: "We are delighted to
have attracted someone of Hans' calibre to DxS. His experience and
contacts within the pharma and biotech industries in Europe will
help us build on our existing success in marketing our core genotyping
services to this key customer group."
Dr Vanhooren said: "I am delighted to be
joining a company which is developing as rapidly as DxS. The company's
service offering, based on its core Scorpions™ and SAFEspot™
technologies, is extremely strong and offers tremendous benefits
to customers looking to increase the use of pharmacogenomic approaches
in drug discovery and development. I look forward to making a significant
contribution to the company's success."
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DxS Announces Licensing of Scorpions™ Technology to Minerva
Biolabs for 'SARS' Diagnostic.
Agreement covers the development of real time
diagnostics for infectious diseases.
Manchester (UK), 17 June 2003 - DxS Ltd
today announced it has signed a licence agreement for its Scorpions™
technology with Minerva Biolabs GmbH, of Berlin (Germany), to support
the development of a real time diagnostic test for the Severe Acute
Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) virus. Under the terms of the agreement,
Minerva Biolabs will also be free to develop additional Scorpions-based
diagnostics to expand its current respiratory panel of Legionella
and Mycoplasma tests, both of which already employ the technology.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Scorpions is a proprietary nucleic acid detection
and genotyping system developed by DxS' founders. The fluorescence-based
technology allows extremely rapid and highly sensitive DNA detection
- key benefits for diagnostic applications, particularly where the
speed of turnaround of results is crucial. Scorpions is also a powerful
tool for SNP detection and underpins DxS' core genotyping services
offering.
Commenting on the agreement, Dr Steve Little,
Chief Executive Officer of DxS, said: "We are delighted to
have added Minerva Biolabs as a licensee for our Scorpions technology.
The reputation of Scorpions as a valuable tool in diagnostics is
growing and this agreement with a well respected developer of molecular
diagnostics is a further endorsement. We are currently in discussion
with a number of other international diagnostics companies with
regards to technology licenses in addition to continuing to build
our genotyping services business."
David Kazmierczak, International Marketing Manager
of Minerva Biolabs, added: "Partnering with DxS has allowed
us to incorporate a key technological
advantage to our real-time PCR diagnostics. With the Scorpions technology,
we can now provide an open system application with superior performance,
thereby distinguishing our diagnostics from the rest of the market."
Scorpions is also non-exclusively licensed to
Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics in the field of oncology and to a number
of oligonucleotide manufacturers.
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DxS launches SAFEspot™ - Revolutionary Genotyping Sample Collection
System
Development brings personalised medicines a
step closer
Manchester (UK), 23 June 2003 - DxS Ltd
today announced the launch of its SAFEspot™ Blood Collection
Card that is set to greatly simplify sample collection for genotyping.
The blood spot collection and transport system will facilitate the
routine use of genetic analysis within the drug development process,
and could ultimately underpin the generalised development and prescription
of personalised medicines.
SAFEspot is a blood sample collection and storage
system based on a proprietary adsorbent matrix. In the past, many
genotyping studies have used liquid blood as the source of genetic
material. Collection of such venous blood samples requires trained
staff and can be unpleasant for patients. In contrast, SAFEspot
uses a single finger stick blood sample, which means collection
is painless and trauma free. The dried blood sample is stable, sterile
and safe, and can be shipped at ambient temperature rather than
frozen. From each card, sufficient DNA is captured for over 200
separate SNP, micro-satellite or other genetic analyses.
Commenting on the launch, Dr Steve Little, Chief
Executive Officer of DxS, said: "We are extremely pleased with
the performance of the SAFEspot card. The fast, effortless collection
and shipment of safe and stable samples has convinced DxS to recommend
SAFEspot in the collection of blood samples for the genotyping services
we provide to our pharmaceutical, biotechnology and CRO customers."
The DxS service is based on proprietary Scorpions™
technology that allows rapid and reliable PCR-based genotyping.
SAFEspot brings additional clear advantages to the DxS service particularly
in increasing the ease with which genotyping approaches can be applied
to large, multi-centre trials. Collection of samples by finger stick
can also allow genotyping in paediatric trials where collection
of blood by other methods would be undesirable.
More information and examples of SAFEspot will
be available at the BIO meeting in Washington, D.C., on 23rd of
June 2003 from the DxS stand in the UK Pavilion (Booth 445).
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DxS Announces Licensing Agreement with Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics
MANCHESTER, UK, October 30, 2002 - DxS
has entered into a licensing agreement for the nucleic acid detection
technology, 'Scorpions,' with the Advanced Diagnostic and Cellular
Systems (ADCS) division of Ortho-Clinical Diagnostics, Inc., a Johnson
& Johnson Company.
'Scorpions' is a homogeneous fluorescence nucleic acid detection technology, which can be applied to both quantitative nucleic acid detection and genotyping. It provides reliable, clear results with low backgrounds and high signal strength because it involves a unimolecular,
instantaneous reaction and avoids competing and/or side reactions.
Under the terms of the agreement, DxS has given ADCS non-exclusive rights to their 'Scorpions' technology. ADCS plans to use this technology in diagnostic products in the field of oncology. The two companies will also enter into a research collaboration in this field.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
"We are delighted to have concluded this licensing agreement with a major, international provider of diagnostic products," said Dr Steve Little, Chief Executive Officer of DxS.
"ADCS is excited about the potential use of the
'Scorpions' technology in novel molecular assays that we have under
development," said Roy Davis, President of ADCS.
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DxS Appoints Andrew Webb, Formerly European Sales Director with
Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, as Sales and Marketing Director
Manchester, UK, 9 October 2001 - DxS, the
pioneering genetic analysis company, has appointed Mr Andrew Webb,
formerly European Sales Director with the biotechnology supply company
Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, as its Sales and Marketing Director.
Mr Webb, aged 39, has over sixteen years pharmaceutical
industry experience in commercial and scientific roles. As European
Sales Director at Amersham Pharmacia he was responsible for maximizing
revenue and profit from licensing proprietary technologies in genomics,
drug screening and proteomics. During his 11 years with the company
Mr Webb undertook a series of commercial roles and worked with staff
in diverse functions and territories to enhance performance and
consistently exceed sales budgets. He recruited, developed and managed
sales teams; prepared and presented strategic business plans; and
was responsible for key accounts including Glaxo SmithKline, AstraZeneca
and Pfizer.
Prior to Amersham Pharmacia Biotech, Mr Webb worked
as a Pharmacokineticist at SmithKline Beecham Pharmaceuticals and
as a Drug Analyst with Smith Kline and French Ltd. He received his
BSc (Hons) in Microbiology from Chelsea College, University of London,
UK.
'We are delighted to welcome Andrew to our senior
management team' commented Dr Steve Little, DxS Chief Executive
Officer. 'His extensive commercial experience, scientific training
and established network of pharmaceutical and biotechnology company
contacts will be central to the successful global launch of our
class leading 'Scorpions' genotyping technology'.
'I was attracted to join DxS because it has a
strong, dynamic management team, an exciting, innovative product
and a customer-focused approach to service' said Mr Webb. 'I believe
that customers will be swift to recognize the advantages of our
proprietary 'Scorpions' technology and the convenience of our straightforward
fee for service payment structure'.
'Scorpions' genotyping technology can undertake
up to 100,000 assays per day and centres on a single, instant reaction
which avoids competing and/or side reactions. It provides clear
results with low backgrounds and high signal strength and allows
for sample pooling, so that up to 10,000 samples can be combined.
'Scorpions' is highly sensitive and involves a simple 'mix and glow'
protocol.
DxS is a human genetic analysis company. Two ex-AstraZeneca
scientists, Dr Steve Little and Dr David Whitcombe, who invented
and developed the 'Scorpions' technology and Shalni Arora, previously
Business Manager at AstraZeneca, founded DxS in June 2001. The company
is backed by Northern Venture Managers (NVM), which invested over
£2 million in the company at its inception. DxS operates out of
purpose built laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art robotics
and liquid handling systems, in Manchester, UK.
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DxS Secures Key US Patent for Class Leading Human Genotyping Technology
Manchester, UK, date September 2001 - DxS,
the pioneering genetic analysis company, has been granted a US patent
for its class leading 'Scorpions' genotyping technology.
'Scorpions' technology offers significant benefits
compared with traditional methods:
+ Rapid genotyping - up to 100,000 assays per
day
+ Reliable genotyping - 'Scorpions' involves a
single, instant reaction and therefore avoids competing and/or side
reactions
+ Clear results - When compared with two leading
genotyping technologies 'Scorpions' had the strongest signal and
lowest background
+ Sample pooling - up to 10,000 samples can be
combined, reducing time and effort
+ High sensitivity - a single dried blood spot
can provide enough genetic material
+ Simple methodology - the easy 'mix and glow'
protocol means that GPs/clinicians can use 'Scorpions' at the surgery.
'Scorpions' centres on unique molecules that change
shape when exposed to a genetic variant. In positive samples the
tail of the molecule flips forward and begins to glow. The test
is undertaken in a single, closed tube and an increase in light
indicates a positive result.
'We are delighted to receive this US patent which
is an important milestone in our company's evolution' commented
Dr Steve Little, DxS Chief Executive Officer. 'Scorpions offers
the pharmaceutical industry a superior technique for identifying
and selecting new leads and excluding unsuitable targets and candidates
at an early stage. It will help reduce the cost and increase the
effectiveness of clinical trials and support the provision of therapies
with real competitive advantage.'
DxS is a human genetic analysis company which
works on a simple fee for service basis. Two ex-AstraZeneca scientists,
Dr Steve Little and Dr David Whitcombe, who invented and developed
the 'Scorpions' technology, founded DxS in June 2001. The company
is backed by Northern Venture Managers (NVM), which invested £2
million in the company at its inception. DxS operates out of purpose
built laboratories equipped with state-of-the-art robotics and liquid
handling systems, in Manchester, UK.
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Press Release
Manchester, UK, 12/06/2001
Personalised Medicine a Step Nearer
The promise of personalised medicine took a step
closer to becoming a reality this week with the 12th June launch
of DxS Ltd - a company dedicated to the provision of genetic information
in the quest for better medicines. DxS has been founded by leading
ex-AstraZeneca scientists - Dr Steve Little and Dr David Whitcombe
- who bring with them their own patented technology, Scorpions,
an innovative method with benefits for the healthcare industry.
The company has received £2M backing from Northern
Venture Managers (NVM), a leading equity provider of funds between
£1M and £5M with a keen interest in early stage biotechnology investment.
NVM director Tim Levett said "we were impressed
by the management team and the opportunity for Scorpions technology
to provide a solid business base in a rapidly growing market. We
are committed to investing in the biotechnology market and are excited
about this investment."
In a perfect world, drugs would work well for
all patients suffering from a given disease. In reality this is
not the case; some drugs are effective in some patients but ineffective
in others and others cause unwanted side effects. DxS identifies
the underlying causes of these differences by using Scorpions technology
to perform genetic analysis on patient samples. This information
is an important addition to pharmaceutical research enabling companies
to develop more effective therapies.
Scorpions technology can also provide doctors
with a simple method to analyse an individual's genetic makeup when
he or she attends the clinic or surgery. This information will help
doctors select the most appropriate treatment for a patient and
in that way improve response and reduce unwanted side effects.
Scorpions are unique molecules that respond to
the presence of a genetic variant by changing shape. When a positive
sample is detected the "tail" of the Scorpions molecule flips forward
and begins to glow so the test process consists of little more than
adding the Scorpions reagent to the sample and monitoring the increase
in light. The ease of use of this "mix and glow" feature is one
of the key benefits of the Scorpions approach that along with speed
and reliability make it the preferred method for human genetic analysis.
An independent business analyst from Bridgehead
Technologies commented; "The technologies DxS proposes to use are
well established, robust and have been demonstrated to deliver quality
data. The service offerings proposed by DxS fit well with expectations
of how pharmacogenomics will develop within the pharmaceutical industry
and influence the commercialisation of some drugs"
DxS, based in the heart of Manchester, opened
their newly commissioned laboratories housed in the purpose built
Incubator Building in June of this year. They are currently recruiting
additional graduate and doctorate level staff in order to cope with
their expanding business.
CEO Dr Steve Little said, "the human genome project
has already provided us with a wealth of information - one of the
most promising applications is understanding how our genetic make-up
influences our response to therapy. We are applying this information
to improve healthcare for all. The benefits of this approach really
are substantial: patients get safe medicines that work, healthcare
providers get better value for money and the drug companies generate
a competitive advantage for their products. We believe our combination
of industry sector experience, innovative technology and strong
financial backing will help us achieve our goal of becoming Europe's
leading provider of genetic services to the healthcare industry"
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