NEW YORK (GenomeWeb) – GenomeDx and pathology firm Pathnostics said today that they have entered a strategic agreement under which GenomeDx will market and distribute Pathnostics' Guidance UGx and Guidance PRx tests.
The two tests diagnose urinary tract infections (UTIs) and prostatitis, respectively. Both use quantitative PCR to detect the presence of pathogens and to measure molecular signs of antibiotic resistance. According to Pathnostics, this provides a faster and more comprehensive solution than traditional culture methods.
Under the terms of the agreement, GenomeDx will gain exclusive distribution rights for the tests in most of the US urology market. Pathnostics will still perform the testing at its CAP-accredited, CLIA-certified laboratory in Irvine, California.
Financial terms were not disclosed.
Pathnostics chairman Dave Pauluzzi said in a statement that the firm has already tested more than 50,000 patients using its technology. By partnering with GenomeDx, the company hopes to now be able to bring the assays to the broader urology community.
GenomeDx's activity in the urology space has been mainly cancer-focused, with its existing Decipher classifier tests for prostate and bladder cancer, but CEO Doug Dolginow said in a statement that UTI and prostatitis management are also areas of great unmet need in the community, and that providing genomic solutions for these conditions is consistent with the company's mission.