12 November 2018
Oxford BioDynamics Plc
("OBD" or the "Company" and, together with its subsidiaries, the "Group")
Oxford BioDynamics enters into collaboration to identify EpiSwitch™ biomarkers for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
· Diagnosis of ASD is challenging, indicating the need for accurate diagnostic biomarkers.
· Agreement signed with Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a recognised research and biomedical institution of national importance in Italy.
Oxford BioDynamics Plc announces that it has signed a collaboration agreement with Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza, a recognised research and biomedical institution of national importance in Italy, to identify EpiSwitch™ biomarkers for the blood-based diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD).
The agreement between OBD and Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza aims to develop a diagnostic biomarker assay for ASD, using the EpiSwitch™ technology platform. Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza will supply blood samples from both autistic subjects and healthy controls. These will then be screened at high resolution for epigenetic changes, in the form of chromosome conformational signatures, by OBD using the EpiSwitch™ high throughput technology platform. In addition to identifying a potential diagnostic biomarker assay, OBD hopes to expand the epigenetic knowledge base for ASD, facilitating future research and pharmaceutical development into this spectrum of disorders.
ASD, which is thought to be caused by a complex interaction of genetic, epigenetic and environmental factors, represents a group of neurodevelopmental disorders, characterised by problems with social interaction and communication. It is estimated that approximately 1 in every 100 people in the UK has ASD. There is no cure for ASD, however speech and language therapy, occupational therapy and educational support provide great benefits for these patients. Earlier diagnosis would allow more timely intervention, improving the results of treatment and enhancing clinical outcomes.
Currently, diagnosis for ASD remains challenging due to broad ranging symptoms and differential progression and manifestation of the disorder. As the EpiSwitch™ platform monitors the environmental impact on the genome, it is well placed to identify biomarkers for diagnosing ASD through minimally invasive blood sampling.
Alexandre Akoulitchev, Chief Scientific Officer of Oxford BioDynamics, said:
"We are looking forward to joining forces with the Casa Sollievo della Sofferenza team, to develop reliable non-invasive biomarkers for ASD. We are highly appreciative of the great expertise and ASD insights from our Italian colleagues. We strongly believe our work will help to improve the understanding of epigenetic controls and mechanisms behind this disorder. This agreement further demonstrates rising interest in our proprietary technology, EpiSwitch™, which offers results of unique value and clinical utility in biomarker discovery and disease understanding for a broad spectrum of complex indications, from immune-oncology and autoimmune conditions, to neurodegeneration, psychiatric and neurodevelopmental conditions."
-ENDS-
For further details please contact:
Oxford BioDynamics Plc Christian Hoyer Millar, CEO Paul Stockdale, CFO |
+44 (0)1865 518910 |
FTI Consulting Financial Public Relations Adviser Brett Pollard Natalie Garland-Collins |
+44 (0)20 3727 1000 |
Notes for Editors
About Oxford BioDynamics Plc
Oxford BioDynamics Plc (AIM: OBD) ("Oxford BioDynamics") is a biotechnology company focused on the discovery and development of epigenetic biomarkers for use within the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry.
The Company's award-winning, proprietary technology platform, EpiSwitch™, aims to accelerate the drug discovery and development process, improve the success rate of therapeutic product development and take advantage of the increasing importance of personalised medicine.
In particular, EpiSwitch™ can reduce time to market, failure rates and the costs at every stage of drug discovery. Additionally, the technology provides significant insights into disease mechanisms for drug discovery and product re‐positioning programmes and enables the personalisation of therapeutics for patients in the context of challenging pricing environments where improved clinical outcomes are critical.
Oxford BioDynamics is headquartered in the UK, and listed on the London Stock Exchange's AIM under the ticker "OBD". For more information please visit www.oxfordbiodynamics.com.
