Epigenomics licenses core technology to OncoMethylome

German DNA methylation diagnostics specialist Epigenomics AG has entered into a broad technology licensing agreement, granting Belgium's OncoMethylome SA worldwide non-exclusive rights to several of its proprietary core technologies such as its MethyLight portfolio for the sensitive and quantitative detection of DNA methylation for in vitro diagnostic product development and commercialization.

Furthermore, OncoMethylome has obtained rights to HeavyMethyl technology, plus certain microarray-based technologies for DNA methylation analysis. In return, Epigenomics will receive an undisclosed upfront payment and is eligible for royalties to be paid on any eventual commercial exploitation of the technologies by OncoMethylome and any of its partners who choose to sub-license them. Both companies continue to independently develop their own products and biomarker licenses have not been granted. Further details and financial terms of the agreement have not been released.

"This deal enhances our wide portfolio of technologies in the methylation field and gives us the flexibility to develop the best products on a wider range of laboratory equipment," said Jim DiGuiseppi, chief technology officer of OncoMethylome. "We expect this deal to accelerate the acceptance of methylation products in routine laboratory use," he added.