Orion Genomics Gains Exclusive Worldwide Rights to the IGF2 Gene for Colorectal Cancer Risk Testing Through Licensing Agreement With Johns Hopkins ...(Researchers at The Johns HopkinsUniversi...),Health

"If the power of this risk marker shown in earlier clinical studies is confirmed by the large prospective trial now underway, it can potentially change the way populations are screened for colon cancer," said Graham Colditz, MD, DrPH, Associate Director of Prevention and Control, Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center. "The test may identify people who should be screened earlier in life and more frequently, while also identifying individuals who can start screening later than what is now recommended, thus serving as a tool to help physicians in developing targeted monitoring plans and shifting resources to the people most likely to develop colon cancer."

"Colorectal cancer is the second most deadly cancer claiming more than 52,000 lives in 2007 in the U.S., with treatment costs for colorectal cancer estimated to exceed $8 billion annually," Lakey continued. "We believe our risk assessment test will be easily incorporated into the routine management of colorectal cancer. When used in conjunction with colonoscopy screening, our test has the potential to reduce colorectal cancer incidence as well as reduce associated colorectal cancer treatment costs in a U.S. clinical market size of more than 81 million people."

About Orion Genomics

Orion Genomics develops epigenetic research tools and molecular diagnostic products to detect cancer at its earliest stages and to aid in appropriate therapy selection. The company has active biomarker discovery programs in cancers of the bladder, breast, lung, ovaries and colon. Orion Genomics is located in the Center for Emerging Technologies in St. Louis. For more information, visit http://www.oriongenomics.com.