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[11/27/2007] Xceed Molecular, a pioneer in the development of cost-effective, easy-to-use gene-expression analysis systems, announced
that the company has launched its Strategic Collaborator program and signed its first member, the Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), of Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Specific terms were not disclosed.
According to Xceed's President and CEO, David Deems, the Strategic Collaborator program is a mutually beneficial agreement with a high-profile institution or investigator
designed to propel the partners' clinical research, while providing Xceed with additional real-world clinical-laboratory experience and access to critical research
results. The program is an integral part of the company’s strategy to add assays to its pipeline of condition- or pathway-specific Signature Chips that will be available
both as catalog products and through Xceed's Expression Services. Through the program, Xceed will provide the Ziplex® System or Expression Services to the
collaborator at no or low cost in return for a commitment for future publication, access to biomarker content, or assistance with product development or services.
"The Center for Molecular Medicine, under the leadership of Daniel H. Farkas, PhD, HCLD, is an ideal partner for Xceed," said Deems. "Dr. Farkas and his team will
undertake a number of projects as part of our agreement, including the investigation and development of cancer diagnostics and improved sample-preparation
methods." Internationally renowned for his work in molecular diagnostics, Dr. Farkas joined the CMM as Executive Director in December 2006. His peers voted him the
recipient of the Association for Molecular Pathology Leadership Award winner for 2007.
Commenting on the collaboration, Dr. Farkas said, "We are very pleased to be supporting Xceed's efforts to bring its clinical laboratory-friendly Ziplex System to the
marketplace. The intersection of patient care and business represented by our international collaboration is central to the mission of the Center for Molecular
Medicine. As a CLIA-certified, CAPaccredited laboratory, the CMM will provide Xceed the opportunity to bring new array-based tests to the clinical community. The ease
of use and initial data generated by the Ziplex System have been impressive. As translational medicine moves from the research laboratory to the clinic, technology
that is affordable, reliable, and automated will be critical. We believe the Ziplex System is uniquely positioned to fulfill this need. The resulting benefit to
patients is an excellent example of how genomic medicine will move forward in the 21st century."
Xceed has already committed to several other institutions under its Strategic Collaborator program and will be installing the Ziplex System at additional sites before
year-end. The company's goal is to have 10 Strategic Collaborator agreements in North America by the second quarter of 2008.
Xceed's vision is to advance molecular diagnostics by successfully translating novel multiplex tests into routine clinical practice and to create robust diagnostic
solutions to improve disease outcomes. Our products comprise the Ziplex® System for automated gene-expression analysis (available in the US and Canada for
research use only), gene expression services, and pre-configured arrays. Xceed is also developing multiplexed genomic tests for the Ziplex platform, both internally
and with strategic partners. Xceed’s R&D and manufacturing are headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, with executive offices in Wellesley, Massachusetts.
The Center for Molecular Medicine, a joint venture between Grand Rapids, Michigan-based Spectrum Health and Van Andel Institute (VAI), brings West Michigan a
cutting-edge laboratory that will aid in early diagnoses and enhance personalized medicine. It offers 21st century molecular technologies for investigation of
complex diseases like cancer, heart disease, mental illness and other conditions at the DNA, RNA and protein levels. The Center brings new and increased
opportunities for diagnostics and pharmaceutical companies to conduct trials in a world-class medical and clinical research environment.
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