Enzo Biochem and Ikonisys sign agreement to market molecular-based cervical cancer test

Enzo Biochem, Inc. (NYSE:ENZ) announced today that its Enzo Clinical Lab division has entered into an exclusive marketing partnership covering the States of New York and New Jersey with privately-owned Ikonisys, Inc., of New Haven, CT, relating to Ikonisys’ proprietary oncoFISH® cervical test, a laboratory developed test for cervical cancer prevention.

Under the agreement, Enzo Clinical Labs will market the assay to physicians requesting advanced analysis of specimens from liquid based Pap tests to assist them in evaluating cytologic reports. Ikonisys will conduct the evaluation of the specimen using its proprietary CellOptics® platform on the Ikoniscope® Digital Microscopy System for the interpretation of molecular signals. The assay is based on the identification of a genetic marker, which numerous scientific articles have linked with an increased likelihood for the development of cervical cancer. Running the assay will not require obtaining an additional specimen from patients.

“The results of Pap smears are not always conclusive. oncoFISH® cervical provides an important new dimension for further evaluation, tied to chromosome related indicators, to determine the probability of progression to cervical cancer where the current results are indecisive or suspicious,” said Kevin Krenitsky, MD, President of Enzo Clinical Labs. “It also represents another important extension of our Labs’ program to broaden our menu of tests in the field of Women’s Health. We are committed at Enzo to provide our patients the best diagnostic testing options that are at the forefront of medical innovation. oncoFISH® cervical will enable our physician clients to have more information, leading to better patient care.”

“oncoFISH cervical is beginning to show great potential in the clinical management of cervical dysplasia,” said Bruce Dziura, MD, Clinical Director of New England Pathology Associates.

“Our marketing agreement with Enzo Clinical Labs is the first for our firm involving our oncoFISH cervical test, which has New York State clearance, and we are very pleased to partner with them given Enzo’s capabilities and high standing in the reference laboratory community,” said Petros Tsipouras, MD, Chairman and CEO of Ikonisys, Inc.

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

Source: Enzo Biochem, Inc.