MARSEILLE, France, May 4 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Ipsogen SA (Alternext - FR0010626028 - ALIPS), a molecular diagnostic company specialized in the development, the manufacturing and the commercialization of diagnostic assays for breast cancer and leukemia, today announces the signature of an agreement with ARUP Laboratories to offer JAK2 molecular diagnostic testing in the USA.

According to the terms of the agreement, Ipsogen grants ARUP, a national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory and a worldwide leader in innovative laboratory research and development, non-exclusive rights, for the US territory, to offer a complete range of assays for the molecular classification and the screening of Myeloproliferative Neoplasms (MPN), a group of leukaemia's caused by JAK2 gene variations that affects more than 100,000 people in the US. Additional terms were not disclosed.

"This agreement with ARUP, reinforces the medical value of the JAK2 test as a diagnostic tool for MPN supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines and affirms the strong Intellectual Property position of Ipsogen's JAK2 patent portfolio," said Vincent Fert, Chairman and CEO of Ipsogen.

"We are pleased to have ARUP enter into our licensing program. This agreement supports our strategy to fully supply the US JAK2 market through a combination of strategic licensing arrangements and product sales to leading cancer institutions, hospitals, and commercial labs," added Susan Hertzberg, President of Ipsogen Inc.

JAK2 V617F mutation

In 2006, Ipsogen concluded a worldwide exclusive licensing agreement following the discovery of JAK2 V617F by the INSERM team of Dr. Vainchenker at Institut Gustave Roussy, Paris, France. This team identified the key role played by this mutation of the JAK2 gene in the development of MPN such as Vaquez disease (Polycythemia Vera), Idiopathic Myelofibrose or Essential Thrombocythemia.

Following this agreement, the company developed and marketed a complete portfolio of tests for the identification and quantification of this mutation (JAK2 MutaScreen(TM) et JAK2 MutaQuant(TM), respectively).

As established by the WHO in January 2008, presence of JAK2 V617F is now one of the major criteria in the diagnostic algorithm for MPN. Introduction of the JAK2 V617F test has lead to a more efficient, simpler and shorter diagnostic work-up in routine practice for a growing number of onco-hematologists worldwide.

Ipsogen's blood cancer diagnostic tools

Pioneer of molecular diagnostics for leukemia, Ipsogen develops and markets worldwide a unique and comprehensive range of tests which targets the most molecular anomalies known in blood cancer, including its rarest forms.

These tests, developed in close cooperation with highly specialized clinical centres, provide information on the type of disease (diagnosis, screening), the aggressiveness of cancer (prognosis), the efficacy of proposed targeted therapies (companion diagnosis) and the course of the cancer being treated (monitoring).

Used routinely in over 50 countries, Ipsogen's molecular diagnostic tools improve leukemias' classification allowing personalized treatments.

About ARUP Laboratories

ARUP Laboratories is a national clinical and anatomic pathology reference laboratory and an enterprise of the University of Utah and its Department of Pathology.

With 2,400 employees, ARUP offers more than 2,000 tests and test combinations, ranging from routine screening tests to highly esoteric molecular and genetic assays, for patients throughout the country. Rather than competing with its clients for physician office business, ARUP chooses instead to support clients' existing test menus by offering highly complex and unique tests, with accompanying consultative support, to enhance their abilities to provide local and regional laboratory services. ARUP's clients include more than half of the nation's university teaching hospitals and children's hospitals, as well as multihospital groups, major commercial laboratories, group purchasing organizations, military and government facilities, and major clinics.

In addition, ARUP is a worldwide leader in innovative laboratory research and development, led by the efforts of the ARUP Institute for Clinical and Experimental Pathology(R).For more information about ARUP Laboratories, please visit http://www.aruplab.com.

About IPSOGEN

Ipsogen, Cancer Profiler, develops and markets molecular diagnostic tests designed to map diseases in order to guide patients and oncologists' decisions along their complex therapeutic path.

With more than 70 references already used routinely worldwide for the diagnosis, prognosis and follow-up of thousands of patients with leukemia, Ipsogen is now also targeting breast cancer. Its initial goal will be to provide diagnostic information that remained unavailable until now. Ipsogen is also a partner of choice for biopharmaceutical companies committed to the development of 'companion diagnostic' tests.

Strengthened by its first-rate scientific, clinical and technological partnerships, in addition to its highly skilled multidisciplinary team in France and the USA, Ipsogen is striving to become the leader in the molecular profiling of cancers. It is pursuing its development and promotion of diagnostic standards that have a significant impact on patients, medical professionals and society.

Ipsogen employed 49 people as of April 30, 2009. Its headquarters are located in Marseille, France. The company also has a subsidiary, Ipsogen Inc., in New Haven, CT, USA.

To learn more visit: http://www.ipsogen.com

SOURCE Ipsogen SA

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