EKF Molecular Launches Cancer Gene Detection Technologies at ASCO

EKF Diagnostics, the point-of-care diagnostics business, has announced the launch of EKF Molecular Diagnostics’ PointMan™ DNA Enrichment kits at ASCO 2013, 31st May – 4th June, Chicago. The global launch will comprise three kits for enriching mutations in BRAF, KRAS and EGFR T790M genes associated with skin melanoma, colorectal and lung cancers. PointMan kits offer highly-specific and ultra-sensitive enrichment of mutant genes in a background of wild-type (normal) genes that is unmatched by existing technologies.

The launch of the new PointMan kits on Stand 19117 is the first new product introduction since EKF’s acquisition of 360 Genomics Limited and the establishment of EKF Molecular Diagnostics in March 2013. EKF Molecular was set up to offer innovative products with the potential to change current DNA extraction and detection practices, in order to best support the fast growing companion diagnostics market.

PointMan, is a real-time PCR technology that provides reliable and extremely sensitive detection for cancer mutations. It is highly efficient in amplifying the target sequence of interest, whilst suppressing amplification of the wild-type. The resulting sample is effectively enriched for the mutation, thereby having the potential to offer industry leading sensitivity in a wide variety of sample types.

PointMan DNA enrichment kits can also be used to enrich all mutant sequences within the gene of interest using a single set of reagents, unlike competing technology that requires a separate reagent set for each mutation within a gene sequence. These kits offer fast, efficient and cost effective enrichment of mutant gene sequences for researchers in the pharmaceutical industry developing anti-cancer therapies. At ASCO, EKF Molecular Diagnostics will also premiere its pipeline of PointMan enrichment kits currently in development for other cancer-related mutations.

The three PointMan kits initially being launched for the Research Use Only market, with planned diagnostic registration in Europe in 2014, are:

PointMan BRAF DNA Enrichment Kit
The BRAF gene has proven utility in the treatment of melanoma, as well as colorectal cancer.
PointMan KRAS DNA Enrichment Kit
The KRAS gene has proven utility in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
PointMan EGFR T790M DNA Enrichment Kit
T790M mutation in EGFR (epidermal growth factor receptor) has been associated with about 50% of patients who develop resistance to EGFR targeted therapies in non-small cell lung cancer.

Andrew Webb, Chief Executive Officer of EKF Molecular, said: “The launch of these three kits, which are the first in a line of further expected PointMan product launches, comes ahead of schedule and represents step one in our operational development plan for the newly established EKF Molecular Diagnostics.”