Overview

DiaDexus Inc. focuses on translating genomic and functional genomic information into novel diagnostic and therapeutic products. It was formed in 1997 by GlaxoSmithKline plc (formerly SmithKline Beecham plc), of London, and Incyte Genomics Inc. (formerly Incyte Pharmaceuticals Inc.), of Palo Alto, Calif.

The company initially focused on the discovery of novel molecular targets in cancer, but it expects to extend its discovery platform into other diseases. DiaDexus has identified thousands of disease-associated molecular targets, evaluated more than 300 potential molecular targets using bioMVP its target validation process and advanced more than 40 product candidates into development. It has five diagnostic product candidates in preclinical development and is seeking patent protection on its discoveries.

DiaDexus recently expanded into therapeutics and initially will focus on therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. The company later plans to discover and develop therapeutic vaccines.

As part of the company’s formation, DiaDexus has a fully paid subscription until September 2003 to Incyte’s LifeSeq Gold database.

Partners

GeneData Expressionist microarray data analysis system license: GeneData AG.

Research and license collaboration agreement to develop and sell cancer diagnostic tests in Japan: Fujirebio Inc.

Technology access program for gene expression microarray technology for cancer and other diseases: Agilent Technologies.

Other collaborators include Biosite Diagnostics Inc. and Quest Diagnostics Inc.