The186-gene signature is used to determine the prognosis of patients diagnosed with liver cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), or with hepatitis C-related early-stage cirrhosis.
During the period of exercising the option, NanoString has planned to assess the feasibility of developing an in vitro diagnostic assay based on the HCC gene signature for use on the nCounter Analysis System.
NanoString president and CEO Brad Gray said, "On the heels of launching our Prosigna breast cancer assay in the European Union and Israel, we are excited at the prospect of once again partnering with a customer of our Life Sciences business to translate their discovery into a diagnostic product."