TwinStrand Biosciences and Exact Sciences Announce Exclusive License Agreement for Duplex Sequencing Technology

Rhea-AI Summary

TwinStrand Biosciences and Exact Sciences (Nasdaq: EXAS) have announced an exclusive license agreement for TwinStrand's Duplex Sequencing technology in the cell-free nucleic acid sequencing space. This technology enhances next-generation sequencing accuracy by up to 10,000 times, enabling detection of ultra-low frequency mutations.

The agreement grants Exact Sciences the right to use, commercialize, and sublicense the intellectual property, which includes patent portfolios from the University of Washington and the University of Texas Southwestern. Exact Sciences' rights are broadly exclusive for cell-free nucleic acid sequencing, with some non-exclusive exceptions.

This partnership aims to accelerate advancements in early cancer detection and precision oncology, potentially leading to more precise and reliable cancer diagnostic solutions for patients and healthcare providers worldwide.

Positive

• Exclusive license agreement for Duplex Sequencing technology in cell-free nucleic acid sequencing
• Technology increases sequencing accuracy by up to 10,000 times
• Exact Sciences gains rights to use, commercialize, and sublicense the intellectual property
• Potential for accelerated advancements in early cancer detection and precision oncology

Negative

• None.

SEATTLE, July 31, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- TwinStrand Biosciences today announced an agreement with Exact Sciences (Nasdaq: EXAS), a leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, to exclusively license its patent estate in the cell free nucleic acid sequencing space, including its patent portfolios licensed from the University of Washington and the University of Texas Southwestern.

The license is related to TwinStrand Duplex Sequencing^® error-correction technology, which increases the accuracy of next-generation sequencing by as much as 10,000 times, allowing the detection of ultra-low frequency mutations that would otherwise be hidden by technical noise inherent to the sequencing process. This agreement provides Exact Sciences the ability to use, commercialize, and sublicense the intellectual property acquired under the license. Exact Sciences' rights are broadly exclusive with respect to cell free nucleic acid sequencing, subject to certain non-exclusive relationships in the field.

"This agreement with TwinStrand represents a significant advancement in Exact Sciences' ability to pioneer new frontiers in early cancer detection and precision oncology," said Kevin Conroy, CEO of Exact Sciences. "By integrating with TwinStrand's innovative technology, Exact Sciences will be better equipped to accelerate the pace of discovery and delivery of even more precise and reliable cancer diagnostic solutions to patients and healthcare providers worldwide."

"Exact Sciences is an excellent partner to commercialize and sublicense our patented technology, and with it they will advance diagnostic accuracy, particularly in the areas of cancer detection and monitoring," said Chad Waite, Chairman of TwinStrand Biosciences.

About TwinStrand Biosciences
TwinStrand Biosciences' Duplex Sequencing is the foundational technology enabling the ability to accurately identify ultra-low frequency genomic variants that are undetectable by conventional NGS methods. The company's highly sensitive and specific, patented Duplex Sequencing technology delivers clearer insights to researchers and clinicians in applications ranging from residual cancer detection to genetic toxicology. This data can inform critical decisions in clinical medicine, public health, and other fields of science on a faster timescale when actions are most impactful. TwinStrand's scientist-leaders have authored more than thirty peer-reviewed articles using Duplex Sequencing technology and have developed a portfolio of more than 150 patents and patent applications. The company has partnered with pharmaceutical companies, academic centers, clinical research networks, molecular diagnostic companies, and federal regulatory agencies to bring high precision genomics to the forefront of their science. For more information visit www.twinstrandbio.com.

About Exact Sciences
A leading provider of cancer screening and diagnostic tests, Exact Sciences gives patients and health care professionals the clarity needed to take life-changing action earlier. Building on the success of the Cologuard^® and Oncotype^® tests, Exact Sciences is investing in its pipeline to develop innovative solutions for use before, during, and after a cancer diagnosis. For more information, visit ExactSciences.com, follow Exact Sciences on X (formerly known as Twitter) @ExactSciences, or find Exact Sciences on LinkedIn and Facebook.

TwinStrand Biosciences Contact
Media and Investors:
Karen Dabbs
kdabbs@twinstrandbio.com

Exact Sciences Contacts
Media:
Morry Smulevitz
msmulevitz@exactsciences.com
608-345-8010

Investors:
Erik Holznecht
investorrelations@exactsciences.com
608-800-6605

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/twinstrand-biosciences-and-exact-sciences-announce-exclusive-license-agreement-for-duplex-sequencing-technology-302211267.html

SOURCE TwinStrand Biosciences

FAQ

What is the purpose of the license agreement between TwinStrand Biosciences and Exact Sciences (EXAS)?

The agreement allows Exact Sciences to exclusively license TwinStrand's Duplex Sequencing technology for cell-free nucleic acid sequencing, enabling more accurate detection of ultra-low frequency mutations for cancer diagnostics.

How much does TwinStrand's Duplex Sequencing technology improve sequencing accuracy?

TwinStrand's Duplex Sequencing technology increases the accuracy of next-generation sequencing by as much as 10,000 times.

What rights does Exact Sciences (EXAS) gain from this license agreement?

Exact Sciences gains the ability to use, commercialize, and sublicense the intellectual property related to TwinStrand's Duplex Sequencing technology, with broadly exclusive rights in cell-free nucleic acid sequencing.

How might this agreement impact Exact Sciences' (EXAS) cancer diagnostic capabilities?

The agreement is expected to enhance Exact Sciences' ability to develop more precise and reliable cancer diagnostic solutions, potentially accelerating advancements in early cancer detection and precision oncology.