University of Otago Otago Innovation Ltd

Prostate Biomarkers

Summary

Specific RNA-biomarkers for Prostate Cancer and prostate disease diagnosis.

Otago Innovation has a suite of Biomarkers to enable early differentiation of Prostate Cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia. We are developing a urine and/or tissue test to diagnose early Prostate Cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia.

Technology

Using a targeted bioinformatics approach, Otago researchers analysed genetic information from global genetic databases to seek out prostate disease specific RNA expression patterns. They discovered a set of RNA biomarkers including one for early Prostate Cancer diagnosis. Initial clinical studies have shown a strong correlation between Prostate Biomarker detection presence in urine samples taken prior to biopsy and the histological results of the biopsies.

To undertake the test it is envisaged that the RNA biomarkers will be extracted from prostate cells present in urine or from prostate tissue samples.

The histological result from biopsies and correct prostate disease diagnosis depend on the success of accessing tumour tissue within the prostate, which is a challenge due to the non-uniform nature of Prostate Cancer. Initial investigations support the validation of the Prostate Biomarker detection in prostate tumour tissue in comparison to healthy matching prostate tissue. Addition use of the Prostate Biomarkers in prostate tissue examination from biopsies will improve the performance of testing and diagnosis of prostate disease.

Patents for the Prostate Biomarkers have been filed in a number of countries and are awaiting examination.

Application

Prostate Cancer is the second most prevalent cancer with a 16% lifetime probability. Similar symptoms are caused by benign prostate hyperplasia, a treatable disease common in 50% of men around the age of 60 years. The Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) test for Prostate Cancer diagnosis is known to be non-specific and highly inaccurate, but is currently the only available test and has annual sales of US$3 billion worldwide. The inaccuracy results in 25 million unnecessary biopsies, as 80% of the biopsies do not detect Prostate Cancer. Using our markers will provide Prostate Biomarker detection from urine that is non-invasive and will prevent unnecessary biopsies.

Our Prostate Biomarkers can distinguish between Prostate Cancer and benign prostate hyperplasia.

Partnership

Otago Innovation is seeking partners that can contribute funding and expertise towards product development for centralised or clinical laboratories as well as for a point-of-care test at a later stage. We are looking for one or more of the following attributes: Expertise in assay development; existing products/services for human body specimen (tissue/urine) analysis; capabilities or established partnerships for product development, manufacturing, and sales.

Contact

Dr Alexandra Tickle
Otago Innovation Limited
PO Box 56
Dunedin. New Zealand
Tel 64 3 479 4145
Email alexandra.tickle@otagoinnovation.com

Intellectual Property

Diagnostic Methods and Markers.

International Patent Application No. WO 2007/142540 A1 (Priority Date 7 June 2006)

Pending:

Related Publications

Expression of the acin-associated protein transgelin (SM22) is decreased in prostate cancer.
Prasad PD, Stanton JL, Assinder SJ.
Cell Tissue Res. 2010 Feb;339(2):337-47. Epub 2009 Dec 11.

Identification of a new prostate cancer susceptibility locus on chromosome 8q24.
Yeager M, et al.
Nat Genet. 2009 Oct;41(10):1055-7. Epub 2009 Sep 20.

A common variant associated with prostate cancer in European and African populations.
Amundadottir LT, et al.
Nat Genet. 2006 Jun;38(6):652-8. Epub 2006 May 7.