DiagnoCure, Signal Genetics enter commercialization collaboration for Previstage GCC Colorectal Cancer Staging Test

Signal Genetics, a privately held predictive genetic testing company focusing on oncology, and DiagnoCure, Inc. (TSX: CUR), a life sciences company that develops and commercializes high-value cancer diagnostic tests, today announced a collaboration arrangement valued at US$13.3M over the first five years.  This collaboration aims to maximize the commercialization of Previstage™ GCC Colorectal Cancer Staging Test, and further develop novel genomic cancer tests in the field of Personalized Medicine.

Under the definitive agreements underlying the collaboration, Signal Genetics is granted a worldwide exclusive license to the Previstage™ GCC Colorectal Cancer Staging Test developed by DiagnoCure, and acquires DiagnoCure's U.S. CLIA service laboratory. These two elements of the transaction combined are valued at a minimum of US$10.8M over five years, broken down into a US$5.7M upfront payment for the acquisition of DiagnoCure's U.S. laboratory, and a minimum of US$5.1M in annual installments and royalty payments over the first five years of the license agreement. In addition, Signal will pay DiagnoCure US$2.5M under an R&D agreement to advance the development of certain genomic tests being developed in its Quebec-based laboratories. All payments will be made in cash.

"Previstage™ GCC has been shown to offer key clinical information to improve colon cancer management and has an estimated global market potential of over US$400M," stated Joe Hernandez, CEO of Signal Genetics. "We are excited to add it to our product portfolio.  With our new subsidiary, CC Health LLC, we plan to expand our sales force and our marketing partnerships to sell the test nationwide.  Moreover, the R&D agreement provides Signal and its affiliates access to DiagnoCure's extensive experience in developing personalized genomic tests in oncology that are complementary technologies to the company's pipeline."

"After reviewing many options and opportunities for our U.S. division over the past months, this collaboration arrangement with Signal Genetics emerged as the best strategic path to maximize the commercialization of Previstage™ GCC, and leverage DiagnoCure's assets and R&D expertise," noted Dr. Yves Fradet, President and Chief Medical Officer of DiagnoCure, Inc. "Moving forward, the new inflow of funds, added to the growing revenues generated by the sale of the PCA3 prostate cancer test, will strengthen DiagnoCure's financial base, and allow us to build on our core expertise in developing clinically relevant and robust genomic tests in cancer, in particular lung cancer."

The definitive agreements were executed on June 28, 2011.