Will Add to Genzyme's Personalized Medicine Testing Portfolio
CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Jan. 15 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Genzyme Corp.
(Nasdaq: GENZ) announced today that it has entered into a license agreement
with Moffitt Cancer Center to obtain exclusive worldwide diagnostic testing
rights to the discovery of the relationship of two proteins to patient
response to non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) treatment. The expression
level of these proteins may help predict how these patients will respond to
therapy. Genzyme Genetics' relationship with Moffitt broadens its lung
cancer testing portfolio.
The expression levels of the two proteins, RRM1 and ERCC1, have been
shown by Dr. Gerold Bepler, M.D., and his team from Moffitt, to correlate
with patient response to platinum drugs and gemcitabine, both of which are
commonly used in treating NSCLC. Through this license, Genzyme plans to
develop and market a diagnostic test that can be used to measure the
expression levels of these proteins in NSCLC patients. This test may be
used to guide first-line treatment for these patients, which in turn may
improve patient outcomes while avoiding unnecessary side effects from
ineffective treatment.
"In 2007, an estimated 30 percent of all cancer deaths will have been
from lung cancer," said Dr. Bruce Horten, M.D., national medical director
for Genzyme Genetics. "Our agreement with the renowned Moffitt Cancer
Center will enable Genzyme to develop and market a diagnostic test designed
to assist physicians in identifying the appropriate first-line therapy for
their NSCLC patients -- a key decision point in the management of patients
for whom getting the right drug as quickly as possible is critical. A
personalized medicine approach to treatment such as this has the potential
to help patients lead longer, healthier lives."
"Lung cancer is responsible for more cancer deaths in women than breast
cancer and more deaths in men than prostate cancer," said Bepler, program
leader of Moffitt's thoracic oncology program. "We hope this test will
advance our fight against this disease and improve treatment options for
patients."
Under the license agreement, Genzyme has agreed to pay Moffitt when
various milestones are reached and provide Moffitt with running royalties
on the sales of licensed services and products.
About Moffitt Cancer Center
Located in Tampa, Florida, Moffitt Cancer Center (http://www.moffitt.org) is
the only Florida-based cancer center with the NCI designation as a
Comprehensive Cancer Center for its excellence in research and
contributions to clinical trials, prevention and cancer control. Moffitt
currently has 15 affiliates in Florida, one in Georgia and two in Puerto
Rico. Additionally, Moffitt is a member of the National Comprehensive
Cancer Network, a prestigious alliance of the country's leading cancer
centers, and is listed in U.S. News & World Report as one of "America's
Best Hospitals" for cancer and ear, nose and throat. Moffitt's sole mission
is to contribute to the prevention and cure of cancer.
About Genzyme Genetics
Genzyme Genetics is a leading, nationwide provider of high quality
genetic testing and genetic counseling services for physicians and their
patients. With laboratories and counseling facilities located across the
U.S., Genzyme Genetics offers extensive reproductive and cancer testing
services, supported by innovative technology and a commitment to quality
service and trusted information. Genzyme Genetics is a business unit of
Genzyme Corporation.
About Genzyme
One of the world's leading biotechnology companies, Genzyme is
dedicated to making a major positive impact on the lives of people with
serious diseases. Since 1981, the company has grown from a small start-up
to a diversified enterprise with more than 9,500 employees in locations
spanning the globe and 2006 revenues of $3.2 billion. In 2007, Genzyme was
chosen to receive the National Medal of Technology, the highest honor
awarded by the President of the United States for technological innovation.
In 2006 and 2007, Genzyme was selected by FORTUNE as one of the "100 Best
Companies to Work for" in the United States.
With many established products and services helping patients in nearly
90 countries, Genzyme is a leader in the effort to develop and apply the
most advanced technologies in the life sciences. The company's products and
services are focused on rare inherited disorders, kidney disease,
orthopaedics, cancer, transplant, and diagnostic testing. Genzyme's
commitment to innovation continues today with a substantial development
program focused on these fields, as well as immune disease, infectious
disease, and other areas of unmet medical need.
This press release contains forward-looking statements, including the
statements regarding the ability of the ERCC1 and RRM1 proteins to help
predict patient response to therapy, and Genzyme's plans to develop and
market a diagnostic test which may be used to measure expression of these
proteins and to guide first-line treatment for NSCLC patients. These
statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual
results to differ materially from those projected in these forward-looking
statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among others,
scientific, technical and supply issues that prevent the development of a
ERCC1/RRM1 test, the failure of ERCC1/RRM1 testing to produce diagnostic
results as anticipated, the continued availability of ERCC1/RRM1 testing
resulting from the lack of commercial acceptance of this test, including
the acceptance of the test at price levels that are economically viable for
Genzyme Genetics, and the other risks and uncertainties described in
reports filed by Genzyme with the Securities and Exchange Commission under
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, including without
limitation the information under the heading "Risk Factors" in the
Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of
Operations section of the Genzyme Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the
quarter ending September 30, 2007. Genzyme cautions investors not to place
substantial reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this
press release. These statements speak only as of the date of this press
release, and Genzyme undertakes no obligation to update or revise the
statements.
Genzyme(R) is a registered trademark of Genzyme Corporation. All rights
reserved.
Genzyme's press releases and other company information are available at
http://www.genzyme.com and by calling Genzyme's investor information line at
1-800-905-4369 within the United States or 1-678-999-4572 outside the
United States.
Media Contacts
For Genzyme For Moffitt Cancer Center
Patrick Flanigan (investor) Michelle Foley
(617) 768-6563 (813) 745-1505
Sarah Millerick (media)
(617) 768-6690
SOURCE Genzyme Corp.
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Related links:
http://www.genzyme.com
http://www.moffitt.org
http://www.prnewswire.com/comp/104284.html /
CONTACT:
investor, Patrick Flanigan, +1-617-768-6563,
or media, Sarah Millerick, +1-617-768-6690, both for Genzyme, or
Michelle Foley for Moffitt Cancer Center, +1-813-745-1505
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