Pittsfield – Biomarker pioneer Nuclea Biotechnologies, Inc. today announced a new partnership with Boston Medical Center (BMC) that could lead to more effective treatments for people with breast and prostate cancers. The pairing of the Pittsfield and Worcester-based biotech firm and one of Boston’s leading teaching hospitals will significantly advance research and development of biomarkers, a key component in the growing field of personalized medicine.
Nuclea discovers and develops biomarkers (genes, proteins, and antibodies) and diagnostic assays that can help predict which treatments will be effective for certain patients, depending on their genetic makeup. The unique partnership between Nuclea and BMC involves joint research between BMC’s Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine under the direction of Daniel Remick, M.D., and the Department of Radiology under the direction of Alexander Norbash, M.D. B. Nicolas Bloch, M.D., will serve as principal investigator for the Department of Radiology. The research will focus on gene expressions in specific tumors to help radiologists review results in a different and more comprehensive way.
“We are extremely excited about this new partnership,” said Patrick J. Muraca, president & CEO of Nuclea. “The research being conducted at BMC, using the hospital’s state-of-the-art equipment and technology, will lead to new biomarkers that will help doctors identify deadly cancers in hard-to-diagnose patients and proscribe the most effective treatments.” Muraca added, “This partnership also allows Nuclea to expand our clinical trials to underserved populations in and around the city of Boston.”
“This partnership allows our Department to continue our historic mission of conducting research,” said Dr. Remick. “Exceptional care without exception includes expanding diagnostic tests so that they more effectively detect cancers, so that treatment may begin as soon as possible. This partnership will allow us to leverage our existing resources to move diagnostic tests to the next level.”
As part of the deal, Nuclea will pay BMC approximately $1.4 million over the next three years to support the research. In return, Nuclea will have right of first refusal of commercialization on all new discoveries relating to biomarker development, biomarker arrays, and methods involving new diagnostic & novel radiological interpretations.
“This is a great step forward for Nuclea, BMC, and the biotechnology industry,” said Muraca. “The continued advancement of biomarker research and a focus on personalized medicine will help save lives and reduce costly, ineffective treatments.”
Nuclea Biotechnologies, INC is headquartered in Pittsfield, Massachusetts with additional operations in Worcester, Massachusetts. Nuclea has developed and is commercializing eleven unique diagnostic tests for colon, breast, leukemia, lung and prostate cancer. Nuclea also performs research leading to novel molecular oncology therapeutics and diagnostics for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries.
About Boston Medical Center
Boston Medical Center is a private, not-for-profit, 639-licensed bed, academic medical center that is the primary teaching affiliate of Boston University School of Medicine. Committed to providing high-quality health care to all, the hospital offers a full spectrum of pediatric and adult care services including primary and family medicine and advanced specialty care with an emphasis on community-based care. Boston Medical Center offers specialized care for complex health problems and is a leading research institution. Boston Medical Center and Boston University School of Medicine are partners in the Boston HealthNet—15 community health centers focused on providing exceptional health care to residents of Boston. For more information, please visit www.bmc.org.