EDGC, a leading genomics company, announced that it has signed an agreement with ViroCure, a company specializing in the development of oncolytic virus, to develop oncolytic virus therapy using clinical genomic data. It is an agreement that includes not only business cooperation but also equity investment. 

The two companies plan to jointly ▲research and commercialize gene therapy products ▲monitor oncolytic virus therapy and rejection ▲share clinical data on cancer-related biomarkers, and ▲produce antitumor substances. In particular, EDGC and ViroCure plan to speed up securing new biomarkers by integrating EDGC's genome analysis know-how into ViroCure's oncolytic virus drug development.

Through this agreement, EDGC will cover not only clinical genomics such as genome analysis, diagnosis, and disease prediction, but also genome-based therapeutics.

ViroCure focuses on research in the field of oncolytic virus, obtaining US patents on AV Reovirus (oncolytic reovirus which is safety-enhanced and has optimal anti-cancer effect) this March and applying for a global patent for combination therapy of oncolytic viruses. The company is planning to start Phase 1 clinical trial of the first oncolytic virus.

Haeng-jun Yoo, a CEO of ViroCure, said, "We are applying EDGC's technology to identify specific biomarkers that are suitable for a number of oncolytic viruses and to expand the viral platform technology. We will actively make the best use of EDGC’s accumulated clinical data to develop patient-specific anticancer viruses. The development of next-generation anticancer drug combining immune anticancer drug with existing virus platform as well as the Phase 1 of clinical trials scheduled for the second half year are going smoothly.”

Min-seob Lee, a co-CEO of EDGC, said, "By utilizing accumulated clinical genomic data and biomarkers through this agreement, we will be able to accelerate the development of oncolytic virus therapy, which will be a win-win opportunity for both companies.”