By Ron Shinkman, Editor, Laboratory Industry Report
San Diego-based molecular laboratory Trovagene has established a European subsidiary that is intended to expand the capabilities of its cancer testing platforms.
The Trovagene Research Institute was established in conjunction with Alberto Bardelli, an Italian researcher who is affiliated with the oncology department at the Torino Medical School and Candiolo Cancer Institute. Bardelli discovered several genetic mutations related to colorectal cancer while working with Johns Hopkins University. He previously served on Trovagene’s scientific advisory board.
Trovagene has also established an alliance with Torino’s oncology department to further study cancer mutations and determine how they can be applied to future assays. The parties are also expected to work on distributing Trovagene’s products in Europe. Trovagene specializes in developing tests that identify free-floating cancer DNA in urine samples.
"Trovagene’s vision for the broad applications of its liquid biopsy platform in the treatment of cancer patients and the company’s commitment to innovative cell-free DNA technologies were key factors in my decision to be involved in the Trovagene Research Institute,” Bardelli said in a statement. "The use of a non-invasive urine sample to monitor circulating tumor DNA has the potential to fundamentally change the practice of medicine, and I am looking forward to integrating the work we have done with Trovagene’s platform to improve the outcomes of cancer patients."
Specific details as to how the Trovagene Research Institute would operate and terms regarding its alliance with the Torino Medical School were not disclosed.