Roche Signs Exclusive Distribution Deal with DxS for K-RAS and EGFR Cancer Muta...( Tests identify genetic mutations ...)

Tests identify genetic mutations that can affect patient response to

certain cancer drugs

PLEASANTON, Calif., June 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Roche and DxS Ltd. have signed an exclusive distribution agreement for the DxS TheraScreen K-RAS Mutation Test and TheraScreen EGFR 29 Mutation Test. The tests are intended, when considered with other clinically relevant factors, to aid doctors in identifying suitable patients likely to benefit from a specific cancer therapy based on their mutation status.

"There is a growing demand for tests to indicate disease prognosis and identify patient groups more likely to benefit from a particular drug," said Daniel O'Day, President and CEO of Roche Molecular Diagnostics. "Through our partnership with DxS, we can leverage our extensive global infrastructure and commercial reach to provide these tests, which have the potential to improve treatment outcome in some patients."

Under the terms of the agreement, Roche is granted exclusive world-wide distribution rights for the K-RAS Test, which has CE Mark certification in Europe. For the EGFR test, which also has CE Mark certification, Roche is granted exclusive distribution rights for all global markets except the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Hong Kong.

"We are extremely pleased to have concluded this distribution agreement with Roche," said Dr. Stephen Little, CEO of DxS Ltd. "Not only does it enable us to meet the growing demand for these tests, but also gives doctors and patients access to standardized test results that provide further information to enhance treatment decisions."

The TheraScreen K-RAS Mutation Test was the first clinically validated, CE-Mark certified companion diagnostic for tumor-specific mutations in patients with colorectal cancer. In addition, some drugs used to treat colorectal and other cancers are only indicated for patients who have a non- mutated (or "wild-type") K-RAS gene. The test detects
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