Roche, DKFZ announce research collaboration to predict cervical cancer risk

Roche Molecular Systems, Inc. (SIX: RO, ROG; OTCQX: RHHBY) and the German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) announced today that they have entered into a research collaboration to enable more specific prediction of a woman's risk for developing cervical cancer.

The collaboration is based on recent DKFZ research indicating that the relative amounts of specific spliced viral RNA molecules (i.e., RNA markers) in HPV-infected cells enable highly accurate discrimination of cervical cancer and high-grade (pre-cancer) from low-grade cervical lesions.

RMD and DKFZ initiated the three-year collaboration in September 2010. DKFZ is conducting research on Roche proprietary platforms, facilitating direct transition and application of any relevant findings to the Roche diagnostics product line.

"DKFZ is among the world's leading HPV research institutes. Through this collaboration, we have the opportunity to work with them to further improve screening and diagnosis of cervical cancer," said Paul Brown, Ph.D., president and CEO of Roche Molecular Diagnostics. "Our hope is that this will ultimately lead to the development of a new test to make cervical cancer screening, diagnosis and grading even more accurate and specific."

"From our previous laboratory results on HPV RNA patterns we believe that our test system will specifically and reliably detect women at high risk for cervical cancer. With Roche we have the great opportunity to work with a strong and experienced development partner for translating our laboratory results into a valid diagnostic product from which women will benefit," said Professor Lutz Gissmann.

"The ATHENA U.S. registration trial demonstrated clearly the sensitivity and diagnostic value that HPV DNA testing provides as compared to cytologic examination with a Pap test," said Brown. "As a company, Roche is committed to continuing this type of groundbreaking HPV research to improve diagnosis of cervical cancer and save women's lives. The type of innovative HPV research ongoing at DKFZ is completely aligned with our mission."