Bioibérica launches first DNA test to predict evolution of knee osteoarthritis
The product, which is the result of 4 years of R&D by this Catalan company, allows doctors to recommend personalized treatment for patients and fight the disease in order to prevent or delay the need for a prosthetic implant.
By Biocat
Bioibérica, one of the most emblematic Catalan biotechnology companies, has launched a test that allows doctors to see a patient’s genetic predisposition to suffering from rapid progression knee osteoarthritis with just a saliva sample.
It is an innovative device on the international market, which will be marketed under the trademark Arthrotest, and allows doctors to identify patients with a high risk of eventually needing a prosthesis. Dr. Josep Vergés, clinical pharmacist and scientific director of the company, explained yesterday at the launch at the Barcelona Science Park (PCB) that "having this information is useful in recommending personalized treatment and fighting the disease to try to control its progress more efficiently. This way we can prevent or delay the need for a prosthetic implant."
The test only needs to be done once in a lifetime and consists of extracting a saliva sample from patients previously diagnosed with knee osteoarthritis. In the laboratory, their DNA is extracted and analyzed. Finally, the physician receives a report with the results, classifying the patient as having minimal, low, medium or high genetic risk.
Josep Escaich: "For us, this product means moving to the area of personalized medicine and is a strategic line of business "
The test has an 82% precision level, meeting international statistical standards. "There aren’t any other genetic tests to predict the progression of knee osteoarthritis except some low-precision products that analyze susceptibility or risk of suffering from numerous diseases, including osteoarthritis," explained Vergés.
To develop the test, the research team conducted a 4-year multicenter clinical study, with 281 patients with primary knee osteoarthritis, 31 healthcare centers in Spain —14 in Catalonia— and professionals from various fields, including rheumatology, trauma, rehabilitation and primary care. The main researchers on this project were professor Francisco J. Blanco, rheumatologist at Juan Canalejo University Hospital in A Coruña, and Dr. Josep Vergés.
Given that genetics plays an important role in osteoarthritis —its onset is 40% hereditary and evolution 60%— the main aim of the study was to identify genetic markers or SNP (Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms) with a significant association with rapid progression knee osteoarthritis. The model used by Bioibérica meets the United States’ National Institutes of Health validity and usefulness standards.
Leading non-Chinese manufacturer of heparin in the world
Bioibérica specializes in chrondroprotective products for osteoarthritis and is the leading non-Chinese manufacturer of heparin in the world. The company was founded in 1975 and has its corporate headquarters in Barcelona, main production plant in Palafolls (Girona) and five additional plants in Spain, the United States, Brazil, Italy and Poland. The company’s turnover in 2012 totaled €237 millions and exports made up 69% of its total sales. They currently have 53 R&D&i projects underway.
"For us, this product means moving into the area of personalized medicine. Some time ago we understood that, in the medicine of the future, patients suffering from osteoarthritis will be able to improve their quality of life not just with drugs but also with good personalized treatment,” explained Josep Escaich, CEO of Bioibérica. "This new line of business is strategic and will be progressively expanded. Early next year we’ll launch osteoarthritis biomarkers," he added.
Biocat CEO Dr. Montserrat Vendrell positively valued the international launch of a product that is the result of the R&D of a Catalan biotech firm. “Right now, more than ever, it is important for our companies to strengthen their ability to compete internationally with innovative products resulting from their own research. It is also key for companies like Bioibérica and others in the Catalan biocluster not to be content with leading a specific market segment but to also commit to R&D and take on the risk of seeking out new developments in personalized medicine."
- Press release (21 May 2013)
- Press kit