Pharmacogenetics is gaining significant importance in the field of molecular diagnostics, with several tests being launched over the past couple of months to analyse pharmacogenetically and disease-relevant markers, for example CYP2C9/VKOR1 for warfarin or CYP2D6. Epidauros is well positioned to contribute in this emerging area through its broad portfolio of patents and patent applications covering specific gene markers such as:

 

Drug metabolizing enyzmes:	CYP2B6, CYP2C8, CYP2D6, CYP3A4, CYP3A5, CYP3A43, TPMT
Drug transporters:	MDR1, OCT1, MRP1
Drug targets:	hPXR

 

To date, Epidauros closed several licensing agreements for two CYP2D6 markers with leading diagnostic companies such as Roche Diagnostics, TM Bioscience (now Luminex), Nanosphere, Osmetech and Nanogen. Moreover, the company also contributed to several patent filings during its three-year collaboration with Pharmacia/Pfizer.

 

Although Epidauros intends to develop its own diagnostic products, further licenses are available upon request.