ArcticDX licenses genes for cancer test

An international team of researchers in colorectal cancer published the results of a study that links specific genes to the risk of colorectal cancer in this week’s Nature Genetics. The study examined genetic markers in people from four countries and found that 10 of the genes studied can be linked to colorectal cancer. Together, these genes could predict up to a six-fold increase in the lifetime risk of developing colorectal cancer.

MaRS tenant ArcticDx has licensed these 10 genes to develop a screening test kit for colorectal cancer. ArctixDx is also pursuing licensing deals with other international research centres focusing on colorectal cancer and age-related macular degeneration.

This is a positive example of collaboration between academic research organizations and an Ontario-based startup company, which we hope to see turn into a technology commercialization success story.

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