Nuclea Biotechnologies forms alliance with Wilex, Inc. to advance personalized treatment for breast cancer sufferers

Nuclea’s oncologists will have access to Wilex’s biomarker test for monitoring HER-2/neu in breast cancer patients. 

Nuclea Biotechnologies, Inc., a translational medicine company, headquartered in Pittsfield (MA, USA) has entered into a long-term partnership with Wilex, Inc. in order to develop more effective treatment management for women with metastic breast cancer.

Nuclea specializes in the discovery of proprietary biomarkers and in vitro companion diagnostic assays based on corresponding gene and protein expression profiles associated with an individual’s tumor or specific disease state. Nuclea’s expertise in the oncology field are envisaged to compliment the research and services offered by Wilex, Inc., which is experienced in the manufacture of biomarker tests for measuring oncogenes, growth factor receptors (HER-2/neu, EGFR), proteases and protease inhibitors (uPA, PAI-1, TIMP-1), as well as markers of hypoxia (CAIX).

According to a press release from Nuclea Biotechnologies, the clinical testing will begin in April at the company’s newly opened laboratory, based in Pittsfield (MA, USA), which is certified to perform in vitro diagnostic assays in the field of oncology. Through collaboration with Wilex, oncologists at Nuclea’s laboratory will gain access to Wilex’s enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays. This test is capable of measuring the level of HER-2/neu in blood serum and is valuable in determining the efficacy of anti-cancer therapy in the patient, and the progression of the disease.

Commenting on the newly formed partnership, Patrick Maraca, President and Chief Executive Officer of Nuclea, said, “Both companies seek to develop new biomarkers with the goal of making 21st century cancer treatments more personal and effective. With our combined experience in the production and commercialization of biomarkers, it seemed very natural for us to work together.”

In terms of future work that is anticipated through this collaborative effort, Olaf Wilhelm, Chief Executive Officer of Wilex AG (Munich Germany), commented that the companies also intend to embark on the “R&D and validation of the HER-2 enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays in early breast cancer and possibly other indications.”

Source: Nuclea Biotechnologies, Inc. and Wilex, Inc. announce partnership.