Abbott licenses biomarkers for new prostate cancer test

Abbott has acquired rights to a number of new biomarkers for use in the development of a new molecular diagnostic test for prostate cancer.

Several novel biomarkers have been acquired from Stanford University to create a system of differentiating aggressive from non-aggressive prostate cancer, utilising Abbott's fluorescence in situ hybridisation technology.

By detecting rearrangements of the ERG and ETV1 genes and measuring loss of the PTEN gene, the test will allow clinicians to determine which patients are affected by fast-growing malignancies that require aggressive treatment, as opposed to those who can simply be closely monitored.

Stafford O'Kelly, head of Abbott's molecular diagnostics business, said: "This newest advance in personalised medicine will provide individualised genetic evidence for informed clinical decision making in choosing the right approach to prostate cancer treatment."

Earlier this month, the company published its financial results for the first quarter of 2012, during which it experienced stronger-than-expected sales growth of six percent.