PORTLAND, OR -- 08/06/07 --
MolecularMD, a developer and provider of
cancer-based molecular diagnostics, today announced its participation as a
preferred provider of Quantitative Reverse Transcription Polymerase Chain
Reaction (qRT-PCR) patient monitoring tests for CML ALLIANCE(TM). CML
ALLIANCE is a program developed by Novartis Oncology to help improve
outcomes for patients with Philadelphia Chromosome Positive (Ph+) Chronic
Myelogenous Leukemia (CML).
There are an estimated 4,600 new cases of CML diagnosed each year in the US
and a total of 30,000 patients living with the disease. The survival rates
have dramatically increased since the FDA approval of imatinib mesylate
(Gleevec® Novartis), a tyrosine kinase inhibitor that targets the BCR-ABL
protein. Based on international clinical trials of imatinib (Gleevec),
patients who achieve Major Molecular Response as measured by qRT-PCR have
the best 5 year prognosis for progression free survival.
Sensitive molecular monitoring is a key component of patient treatment
guidelines. MolecularMD specializes in providing highly sensitive,
standardized monitoring of the BCR-ABL oncogene expression by qRT-PCR and
has exclusive collaborations with leading CML clinical research
laboratories to help introduce international standardization of the test.
"MolecularMD is happy to be a part of CML ALLIANCE as a provider of
standardized, quantitative BCR-ABL testing. Results provided by our lab
will enable patients and their healthcare providers to confidently optimize
treatment of CML," said Brian Druker, MolecularMD's scientific founder. Dr.
Druker was the lead laboratory and clinical investigator of imatinb and is
currently the Director of the Oregon Health & Science University Cancer
Institute.
Physicians who register with CML ALLIANCE will have access to the various
support and education components of the program. A web link within the CML
ALLIANCE website (www.cmlalliance.com) will direct physicians to the
MolecularMD website (www.molecularmd.com/cmlalliance.php) where they can
obtain documentation for sample submission and access support on
interpretation of test results.
About MolecularMD:
Founded in 2006, MolecularMD is a molecular diagnostics company
specializing in clinical development and commercialization of
state-of-the-art assays used to diagnose specific cancers and to monitor
the ongoing effectiveness of therapy. The company has over 30 years of
combined experience in cancer research and has developed sensitive and
highly reliable molecular assays for leukemias, lymphomas, and solid
tumors.
For more information visit www.molecularmd.com.
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