Enzo Biochem announces supply and distribution agreement between Enzo Life Sciences and Cancer Genetics

Mar 18 2010

Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE:ENZ), a vertically integrated biotechnology company engaged in the research, development, manufacture, licensing and marketing of innovative health care products, platforms and services based on molecular and cellular technologies, announced today a supply and distribution agreement between Enzo Life Sciences and privately-owned Cancer Genetics Inc., a leading producer of nucleic acid products used in genomic research. This agreement covers Enzo’s proprietary fluorescent dye labels for increasing signal intensity in labeling nucleic acids.

“We are pleased to be able to enter into a collaborative agreement with CGI which leverages the strengths of both companies. CGI is developing unique content in the areas of FISH and microarrays, while we offer unique manufacturing capabilities in both of these areas”

Cancer Genetics (“CGI”) is an emerging leader in personalized medicine with products and services that enable cancer diagnostics and treatment that are tailored to the specific genetic profile of the individual. CGI has developed two categories of next generation, genomic products that can be used in the laboratory setting to inform and transform cancer treatment – DNA FISH probes (which are currently available only outside the USA) and CGH microarrays. FISH (fluorescence in situ hybridization) is a cytogenetic technique used to detect and localize the presence or absence of specific DNA sequences on chromosomes. The fluorescent probes bind to those parts of the chromosome with which they show a high degree of sequence similarity.

The non-exclusive agreement enables Enzo Life Sciences to incorporate its proprietary labeling to increase specificity for CGI’s nucleic acid material that it purchases and supplies to the research market. The Enzo labeling in essence affords the CGI probe greater visual sensitivity and the potential for improved clinical value and patient outcomes.

“We are pleased to be able to enter into a collaborative agreement with CGI which leverages the strengths of both companies. CGI is developing unique content in the areas of FISH and microarrays, while we offer unique manufacturing capabilities in both of these areas,” said Dr. Carl Balezentis, President of Enzo Life Sciences. “Specifically, this agreement enables us to offer our labeling products in conjunction with Cancer Genetics’ FISH probes, which are highly regarded in the research market, and which also provide strong recognition for our technology. We also recognize that opportunities exist to expand our clinical lab offerings through the unique products and services for personalized cancer treatment being offered and being developed by CGI.”

Dr. R.S.K. Chaganti, the founder and Chairman of CGI, said, “This agreement will introduce the next generation of innovation and sensitivity in DNA probes being used for clinical cytogenetics for oncology.”