Researchers from Johns Hopkins have identified a marker, Mig6, that in early studies has been able to predict longer survival among patients taking the EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors gefitinib (Astra Zeneca's Iressa) and erlotinib (Genenetech's Tarceva).

In a statement, the university said that the team -- led by Johns Hopkins oncology and genetics professor David Sidransky -- hopes to license the discovery to a biopharmaceutical company and collaborate with the firm to further develop the biomaker into a diagnostic test.