GeneNews signs first U.S. regional marketing partner for ColonSentry

GeneNews (TSX:GEN) has licensed its ColonSentry blood test for colorectal cancer to Enzo Clinical Labs, with exclusive rights to market the test in New York and New Jersey.

In a statement, GeneNews said Enzo (NYSE:ENZ) will validate and seek approval of the ColonSentry test under New York, New Jersey and Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments (CLIA) requirements, in addition to marketing and securing third party reimbursement for the test.

Commercial terms were not disclosed but Enzo predicts a U.S. launch of ColonSentry, which it called “first-in-class,” in the second half of 2010.  ColonSentry is a novel, non-invasive option for determining an individual’s current risk for colorectal cancer.

“Enzo is our first U.S. regional marketing partner and will provide an important segment of the eligible U.S. population with access to our ColonSentry test,” said GeneNews COO Gailina Liew.  “This marketing partnership is a key milestone achievement for GeneNews.”