Precision Epigenomics Announces Patent Granted by USPTO, Strengthening its IP Position

TUCSON, Ariz. - Jan. 24, 2024 - PRLog -- Precision Epigenomics Inc., a biotechnology company located in Tucson, Arizona, announced today that the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has issued it a patent related to its liquid biopsy technology for multi-cancer detection. The technology was originally devised at the University of Arizona by Cancer Center investigators Bernard Futscher, Ph.D. and Lukas Vrba, Ph.D.

The USPTO has issued U.S. 11,851,711 B2 (https://patents.google.com/patent/US11851711B2/en?oq=11%2c851%2c711) entitled "DNA Methylation Biomarkers for Cancer Diagnosing." The patent is directed to methods and genomic loci for detecting cancer using biofluids (i.e., liquid biopsy). Precision Epigenomics' first liquid biopsy multicancer screening product, EPISEEK^TM, is scheduled to be available clinically in the first quarter of 2024.

Over 1.9 million new cancer cases were expected to be diagnosed in the US in 2023, with approximately 609,820 deaths from cancer.¹ Most individuals who die from cancer are not diagnosed until they have late-stage disease.^2-3 By analyzing epigenomic signals from abnormal cells, Precision Epigenomics has identified and patented a method to reliably detect cancer circulating tumor DNA using a peripheral blood specimen (liquid biopsy) to detect cancer earlier and save lives.⁴

"The approval of this recent patent further boosts our intellectual property position and emphasizes our dedication to providing innovative molecular diagnostic solutions for cancer patients," said Mark Nelson, Ph.D. & CEO.

About Precision Epigenomics

Precision Epigenomics Inc. is an innovative molecular diagnostic testing service focused on improving cancer patient's diagnosis, management, and treatment. The company is known for its knowledgeable staff, commitment to patient care, and absolute dedication to quality. For additional information regarding Precision Epigenomics, please visit the company website https://precision-epigenomics.com/

References:

1.        American Cancer Society Facts & Figures, 2023, https://www.cancer.org/content/dam/cancer-org/research/cancer-facts-and-statistics/annual-cancer-facts-and-figures/2023/2023-cancer-facts-and-figures.pdf

2.        Siegel RL, Miller KD, Jemal A, https://acsjournals.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.3322/caac.21763

3.        Howlader N et al., Eds., SEER Cancer Statistics Review, 1975–2014, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD (2017).

4.        Vrba L, Futscher BW. A suite of DNA methylation markers that can detect most common human cancers. Epigenetics. 2018;13(1):61-72. doi: 10.1080/15592294.2017.1412907. Epub 2018 Feb 19. PMID: 29212414; PMCID: PMC5836970.