Laurentian University has been awarded a patent for the RNA Disruption Assay (RDATM), a technology that aids in the treatment of breast cancer. The test was developed by Laurentian University professor Dr. Amadeo Parissenti and by his research associate Dr. Baoqing Guo of Health Sciences North. The patent was issued in September by the Australian Patent Office.
The university has licensed the technology exclusively to Rna Diagnostics Inc., a Canadian molecular diagnostics company that develops diagnostic tools to improve chemotherapy management. In addition to other patents currently pending through its licensing arrangement with Rna Diagnostics, Laurentian has a number of patents pending worldwide on discoveries made at the university.
The RNA Disruption Assay (RDATM) helps oncologists to measure a breast cancer patient’s response to chemotherapy at an early stage of treatment. The technology can be used after one or two cycles of chemo, and the results can determine whether patients would do better with another therapy.
It is anticipated that the knowledge generated by this patent and others currently pending will change the current treatment landscape for breast and other types of cancer. Rna Diagnostics currently has ongoing clinical trials and collaborations with healthcare leaders in Germany, Italy, Sweden, the United States, the United Kingdom and Canada.
