EDP Biotech partners with Russian physicians on cancer screenings

11/11/2011

EDP Biotech, a Knoxville-based cancer diagnostics company, has formed a partnership with Russian physicians to further develop and commercialize its line of early cancer screening tests.

"There is a worldwide need so the opportunity to partner, communicate, co-investigate and conduct trials with them is a tremendous advantage and opportunity," EDP Biotech President and COO Robin Zimmer said.

EDP executives, along with Dr. Gene Overholt, chairman of the EDP's Science Advisory Board, met with 20 Russian physicians and scientists visiting Knoxville last week on a program sponsored by Congress.

Russian and EDP officials agreed that EDP Biotech would work with the Kirov State Medical Academy in Kirov, Russia, on further development of EDP's ColoMarker, a blood test for colon cancer.

Other oncology and surgical specialists throughout Russia also will work with EDP Biotech in conducting trials on upcoming EDP Biotech early diagnostic products.

Colon and rectal cancers are the second leading cause of cancer deaths in the United States and Russia, so detecting the cancer early is important, Zimmer said.

"That's why we're excited about these types of products," he said.

Cancer screenings under Russia's state-run universal insurance program are required to begin at age 40 and repeated every three years.

Almost half of the Russian population is 40 years old or older, and Zimmer said this aging segment could greatly benefit from EDP's early screening tests.

Source: Knoxville News Sentinel