NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – Almac Diagnostics and OncoMed Pharmaceuticals will develop a companion diagnostic test to predict patient response to a new therapeutic under development by OncoMed.
Under the agreement announced today, Almac will develop the test for the drug targeting the R-Spondin 3 (RSPO3) gene. The company said that anti-RSPO3 has demonstrated activity in preclinical models against various major tumor types, including colon, lung, and ovarian cancers, and the partners are developing a gene expression RSPO3 CLIA assay to select patients in the clinical development of the drug.
OncoMed has filed an investigational new drug application for anti-RSPO3 with the US Food and Drug Administration and plans to start a Phase Ia clinical trial during the summer.
"This companion diagnostic development program is a significant milestone in our work together and helps Almac achieve its goal of advancing human health globally," Paul Harkin, president of Almac's Diagnostic business unit, said in a statement.
Financial and other terms of the deal were not disclosed.