Response Genetics Inc. is a company focused on the development and sale of molecular diagnostic tests for cancer which are based on its proprietary and patented technologies. The company’s technologies enable extraction and analysis of genetic information from genes derived from tumor samples stored as formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded specimens.

The company announced recently that it has signed a non-exclusive agreement with global drug giant GlaxoSmithKline. Under the terms of the agreement, Glaxo gains certain rights to Response Genetics’ proprietary PCR (polymerase chain reaction) analysis technology and diagnostic expertise to assess BRAF gene mutations in human tumor samples. Specific genetic mutations in the BRAF gene have been correlated with the development of certain forms of cancer.

Per the agreement, payments will be made to Response Genetics upon achievement of agreed-to milestones. Further financial details were not disclosed. The president and CEO of the company, Kathleen Danenberg, said, “Through access to our proprietary technology, Response Genetics provides pharmaceutical companies with unique information and insights. By identifying specific genetic mutations, such as in the BRAF gene, we hope to enable the development of diagnosis tools for disease prognosis that may aid in treatment decisions.”

Response Genetics also holds other patented diagnostic technology and provides services to physicians globally through the company’s ResponseDX series of tests. These tests – ResponseDX Lung, ResponseDX Colon and ResponseDX Gastric – are proprietary PCR-based tests used to analyze the expression of genes that correlate with response to commonly used chemotherapy agents.

For more information on the company, please visit www.responsegenetics.com

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