Asuragen obtains license to integrate BRAF V600E mutation sequence into its molecular diagnostic products

Asuragen, Inc., a leader in molecular diagnostics and RNA-based pharmacogenomics services, announced today that it has obtained a non-exclusive license to incorporate the BRAF V600E mutation sequence into Asuragen's molecular diagnostic products. The license was obtained from Johns Hopkins University and includes the use of the BRAF V600E mutation as a component of diagnostic test kits and for use in Asuragen's CLIA laboratory for clinical research and patient testing.

“The integration of BRAF into our existing multiplex tests on the Luminex platform allows us to provide rapid and streamlined tests for a number of clinical and research applications.”

The V600E mutation in the BRAF oncogene results in a constitutively active BRAF protein. BRAF is a component of the EGFR /MAPK signaling pathway that is a target of several approved drugs as well as numerous drugs in clinical and pre-clinical development. The presence of this mutation has been shown to impact prognosis and the prediction of therapeutic response in colorectal cancer. The mutation can be detected by testing DNA from tumor biopsies and resected tumor tissues. BRAF mutation also predicts a poorer prognosis in thyroid cancer and is a unique prognostic and diagnostic genetic marker for this cancer.

"This Agreement with Johns Hopkins University will enable Asuragen to expand its mutation testing for a range of cancers," said Rollie Carlson, President of Asuragen. "The integration of BRAF into our existing multiplex tests on the Luminex platform allows us to provide rapid and streamlined tests for a number of clinical and research applications."

Asuragen has integrated the BRAF mutation into its Luminex®-based Signature® KRAS Mutations assay to expand coverage of the important EGFR/MAPK signaling pathway. Asuragen will also offer BRAF mutation testing in its Services Laboratory for clinical trials and companion diagnostics studies.