NEW YORK (GenomeWeb News) – Trovagene today said that it has entered into an R&D agreement with PerkinElmer Health Sciences to design an assay for evaluating a patient's risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma.
The assay will be based on Trovagene's TrNA technology, the company said in a document filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission, adding that both firms will jointly validate the assay and evaluate the possibility of combining the TrNA technology with PerkinElmer's technology for automation of nucleic acid isolation.
Trovagene's TrNA, or transrenal nucleic acid, testing technology is based on a method of nucleic acid isolation followed by the detection of specific genetic markers. The technology, according to the San Diego-based firm, can be used for a broad variety of medical conditions.
Under the terms of the deal, PerkinElmer will pay Trovagene milestone payments. PerkinElmer also has received an exclusive option to obtain a royalty-bearing license to use Trovagene's technology within the area of hepatocelluar carcinoma, as well as an exclusive option to obtain a royalty-bearing license to use Trovagene's technology in fields other than hepatocellular carcinoma.
Under certain conditions Trovagene has the option to obtain a royalty-bearing license to PerkinElmer's interest in any invention and/or intellectual property.