Benzinga | May 4, 2021 04:53PM EDT

Exagen Reports Collaboration With Allegheny Health Network Research, AHN Autoimmunity Institute To Develop Novel Patented Biomarkers Into Clinical Diagnostic Tests

Exagen Inc. (NASDAQ:XGN), a leading provider of autoimmune testing solutions, Allegheny Health Network (AHN) Research Institute and the AHN Autoimmunity Institute jointly announced today the execution of a research collaboration agreement and an exclusive license agreement. The collaboration will focus on the development of novel patented biomarkers for diagnosis, prognosis and monitoring of autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE).

Under the terms of the research collaboration and license agreement, Exagen will acquire a worldwide exclusive license to four distinct families of inventions from the laboratory of Joseph Ahearn, MD, and Susan Manzi, MD, MPH, in addition to access to the Autoimmunity Institute's extensive and well-characterized clinical biobank.

The parties will mutually invest in the collaborative development of the patents, leading to the development and commercialization of a suite of novel biomarker assays that were developed using a specialized technology known as CB-CAPs or 'Cell-Bound Complement Activation Products.' The new assays will augment the use of CB-CAPs that similarly power Exagen's AVISE(r) testing which Dr. Ahearn and Dr. Manzi helped design and that became commercially available in 2012. The testing aids clinicians by adding clarity to the clinical evaluation of suspected autoimmune patients that may have lupus.

Dr. Ahearn, Chair of the AHN Autoimmunity Institute stated, "We are delighted to partner with Exagen, a leader in autoimmune testing solutions, to further develop our novel patented biomarkers into new clinical diagnostic assays." Dr. Manzi, Chair of the AHN Medicine Institute and Director of its Lupus Center of Excellence added, "We look forward to working with Exagen to further diversify the deployment of CB-CAPs in their AVISE testing products to better support patients with lupus and related autoimmune diseases."

Established in 2018, the AHN Autoimmunity Institute is focused on advancing the diagnosis, treatment, prevention and cure of all autoimmune diseases through collaborative multi-specialty care, cutting-edge research, advocacy and education. The Institute is a national referral center offering multi-disciplinary, coordinated care for patients with one or more complex autoimmune conditions.

"We are excited to once again work with Dr. Ahearn, Dr. Manzi and the AHN Autoimmunity Institute to accelerate development of their highly-innovative biomarker assays to better serve patients with autoimmune disorders and address the disparity in medical treatment of women and people of color. Dr. Ahearn and Dr. Manzi are both well-respected pioneers in the field of autoimmune research, and Exagen is eager to collaborate with them to bring exciting and impactful products forward to improve the care continuum for patients," said Ron Rocca, President and CEO of Exagen Inc.