The license agreement covers extensive intellectual property rights for AMD-related genetic variants that have been confirmed in multiple clinical studies around the world. The portfolio of intellectual property being licensed has been consolidated from major US universities who have spearheaded genetic and clinical AMD research during the last decade.
Upon successful development of the test, Sequenom CMM plans to market a laboratory developed test under its SensiGene brand name for genetic tests. The laboratory anticipates launching the new test early in 2011.
Colin Foster, president and CEO of Optherion, said: “The licensing agreement with Sequenom adds significantly to our ability to push forward in developing both diagnostics and ultimately disease-modifying treatments for dry AMD. Our agreement with Sequenom not only gives us access to an exquisite platform, the MassARRAY system, but also could ultimately lead to companion diagnostics for our recombinant ‘protective’ human complement factor H protein therapeutic.”