California researchers screened some 850 miRNAs to uncover one that inhibits growth in cancer cells with KRAS mutations, which are linked to poor survival.
Results from a recent study clarify some conflicting prior determinations, and provide a new rationale to further explore the FCGR2A biomarker in prospective trials.
The company will use the money to develop liquid biopsy versions of its solid tumor BRAF and KRAS diagnostics as part of a larger research collaboration.
The group has licensed the clamp method, as well as earlier technology developments, to Xagenic, which is working to commercialize it in various diagnostic areas.
The test helps to identify metastatic colorectal cancer patients for whom treatment with Erbitux (cetuximab) or Vectibix (panitumumab) may be effective because their tumors carry no KRAS mutations.
The draft document, which includes recommendations on which molecular tests labs should perform, on what samples, and with what analytical specifications, is available for comment until April 22.
The investment bank said that expected launches within the next two years for quantitative assays would bring Trovagene into larger and more profitable markets.
