DxS' colon cancer companion diagnostic approved in Canada
This article was originally published in Clinica
Executive Summary
DxS has received approval from Health Canada to use its TheraScreen K-RAS test as a companion diagnostic for Amgen's colorectal cancer drug, Vectibix (panitumumab). The drug, an EGFR inhibitor, is only effective in patients with a non-mutated KRAS gene – around 60% of the population. The test has also received Canadian approval as a diagnostic for other anti-EGFR therapies. Roche Diagnostics will distribute the test there from August, under an agreement signed by the two companies last year (see Clinica No 1309, p 13). Manchester, UK-based DxS CE marked the diagnostic for sale in Europe in December 2007, and launched it in Australia in July 2008, where it is also distributed by Roche.
You may also be interested in...
What are the hottest innovations from Israel?
Israel is well-known as a medtech hot-spot, with a focus on academic research and strong government support helping the country punch well above its weight when it comes to innovative devices.
EuroPCR: St Jude and Philips talk up rival intravascular imaging techs
St Jude Medical had a heavy focus on its intravascular imaging offering at this year’s EuroPCR meeting, presenting data supporting its optical coherence tomography (OCT) technology. OCT provides intravascular images to help assess culprit lesions, which can improve stent selection and deployment, according to St Jude.
EuroPCR: Medtronic's drug-coated balloon keeps rising
A big topic at this year’s EuroPCR, held in Paris on 19-22 May, was drug-coated balloons (DCBs). One of the leaders in the field, Medtronic, presented positive data from two studies of its IN.PACT Admiral balloon, which could support an expanded indication for the device.