New test for cancer researchers targets important tumor-suppressor protein

PLEASANTON, Calif., Sept. 9, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- As researchers push to develop more customized diagnostics and therapies for solid tumor cancers, they demand increasingly sensitive tests that offer reliable, reproducible analysis. Spring Bioscience, Inc. (Spring) today announced a new addition to its specialized portfolio of valuable antibodies for cancer research with the introduction of the Anti-PTEN (SP218) rabbit monoclonal immunohistochemistry (IHC) antibody¹. 

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20130909/LA75783)

PTEN is a common protein found in most tissues of the body.  The protein acts as part of a critical cell signaling pathway that tells cells to stop dividing, helping to prevent uncontrolled cell growth that can lead to the formation of tumors. Mutations in the PTEN gene, together with other factors resulting in loss of PTEN protein, are a step in the development of many human cancers, including prostate and colon cancer. PTEN mutations are also believed to be the cause of a variety of inherited predispositions to cancer.

"With SP218, we're seeking to set a new gold standard across the industry by offering an extremely sensitive, highly specific antibody optimized for IHC testing that will allow researchers and pathologists to interpret PTEN status with utmost confidence," says Spring General Manager Michael Rivers.  "For our customers, this means we're continuing to offer unparalleled value through superior tests that lead the market in innovation, reliability and quality."

Spring internal comparison studies demonstrated that SP218 provides more accurate, sensitive, and specific detection of PTEN expression compared to similar research use only (RUO) tests on the market today. 

Samples from more than 100 cases of primary prostate and colon cancer showed 100 percent concordance for PTEN loss among Spring's SP218 and the leading commercially-available PTEN RUO tests;  however, competitor tests exhibited some undesirable non-specific staining in IHC testing, while SP218 demonstrated highly specific staining in cells with and without PTEN expression.

"SP218's robust and consistent performance with IHC analysis is particularly important given PTEN's potential as a companion diagnostic biomarker," adds Rivers. "Spring Bioscience is owned by Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., a member of the Roche group, and serves as an Antibody Center of Excellence for Roche's companion diagnostics development to advance our goal for Personalized Healthcare."

"Several pharma partners have embraced SP218 as their go-to antibody for PTEN IHC and are including it in their clinical trials as a potential companion diagnostic," says Doug Ward, VP and Lifecycle Leader, Ventana Companion Diagnostics. "In addition, the Ventana Translational Diagnostics CAP/CLIA Laboratory is now using SP218 as their preferred RUO test for PTEN protein expression."

Spring is known across the research industry for its quality development practices and for delivering a consistent supply of highly-specific antibodies. SP218 meets the company's high standards as a valuable tool for assessing PTEN loss.

¹The Anti-PTEN (SP218) Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody for IHC on FFPE tissue is available in 0.1, 0.5, and 1.0ml concentrate configurations, as well as 7.0mL ready-to-use.  Recommended staining protocols are available for manual, semi-automated and VENTANA Discovery XT platforms for decreased assay development times.

To order or request additional information on SP218, please call (800) 787-6896 or (925) 474-8440.  Orders can also be submitted via e-mail at [email protected], with technical detail available through [email protected].

Anti-PTEN (SP218) Rabbit Monoclonal Antibody is for research use only (RUO).  Not for use in diagnostic procedures.

About Spring Bioscience

Spring Bioscience, Inc. (Spring) is a leading developer of rabbit monoclonal antibodies, engineered for immunohistochemistry (IHC) and other applications in tissue-based cancer research.  Founded by scientists with a primary focus on IHC, Spring has developed a proprietary menu of highly-sensitive antibodies (SP clones) that yield superior specificity and consistency in research and clinical practice.  Spring is committed to high-quality development standards and also offers a portfolio of advanced detection and other complementary products for reliable, reproducible assessments of protein expression.  Spring Bioscience was acquired by Ventana Medical Systems, Inc., a member of the Roche Group, in 2007.  As an antibody center of excellence for Roche with strong pharmaceutical partnerships across the industry, Spring is at the frontier of antibody development for companion diagnostics, IVD and early clinical markers. 

Learn more at Springbio.com. 

VENTANA, the VENTANA logo, and DISCOVERY are trademarks of Roche.

Spring Bioscience, Inc. Media Relations
Jacqueline Bucher
Senior Director, Corporate Communications
Phone: 520-877-7288
e-mail: Jacquie Bucher

SOURCE Spring Bioscience