Oxford Gene Technology (OGT), provider of innovative clinical genetics and diagnostic solutions to advance molecular medicine, has today announced a collaborative agreement with Abcodia, a specialist company engaged in the validation and discovery of biomarkers of cancer and other age-related diseases, aimed at improving the early detection of pancreatic cancer. As part of this collaboration, Abcodia will provide access to its large prospective serum biobank, to harness samples taken from individuals up to 7 years before the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer.  OGT will apply its functional protein array platform and its Genefficiency^TM microRNA profiling array to identify pancreatic cancer specific biomarkers that can be used as diagnostic indicators of developing pancreatic cancer. Both OGT and Abcodia will bring their expertise in experimental design and analysis.

At present, the prognosis for someone diagnosed with pancreatic cancer is poor. The limitations of current diagnostic techniques mean that often the cancer is not detected until after it has spread. The identification of sensitive and specific biomarkers that allow early detection of pancreatic cancer could therefore significantly increase survival rates.

Julie Barnes, Chief Executive Officer, Abcodia said: "We are very excited to be able to form this strategic partnership with OGT. The combination of the breadth of the OGT technology with our unique serum biobank provides a real opportunity to significantly advance the field of early pancreatic cancer diagnosis and screening."

John Anson, Vice President Biomarker Discovery, OGT commented: "A common challenge in discovering novel cancer biomarkers is the availability of well characterised samples for the disease area of interest. We are delighted that, through our partnership with Abcodia, we are able to employ our unique and integrated genomic and proteomic array technologies to identify sensitive and specific biomarkers for pancreatic cancer."

Financial details of the partnership were not disclosed.

For more information about OGT's cytogenetic, genomic and biomarker solutions visit www.ogt.co.uk.