Biomira Inc. said it has licensed its breast cancer antibody toCiba Corning Diagnostics Corp. and two ovarian cancerantibodies to Tosoh Corp. of Japan.

Biomira (NASDAQ:BIOMF) of Edmonton, Alberta, currentlymarkets the Truquant BR antibody and the Truquant OV1 andOV2 ovarian antibodies as in vitro diagnostics in Canada.

Ciba Corning will incorporate the breast cancer antibody into itsown automated assay and plans to launch its product in Europesome time next year. The company also plans to file a pre-market approval application in the U.S.

No diagnostic for breast cancer has been approved in the U.S.The generic CEA oncology assay is an overall carcinoma marker,but it is not regarded as a viable diagnostic for breast cancer.Centocor Inc.'s CA 15-3 was withdrawn two years ago afterFDA requested that the company stop marketing unapprovedproducts; the company expects to submit a product licenseapplication (PLA) by the end of 1994. Hybritech Inc. has a PLApending for its breast cancer diagnostic.

Ciba Corning markets immunodiagnostics for thyroid, anemiaand reproductive disorders. The company also acquired severaloncology diagnostics in development through its acquisition ofTriton Diagnostics earlier this year.

Biomira will receive royalties from Ciba Corning on the sales ofthe breast cancer diagnostic product and from Tosoh on sales ofthe ovarian cancer diagnostic. Tosoh also is paying anundisclosed initial payment to Biomira.

Tosoh will incorporate the ovarian cancer antibodies into itsfully automated, random-access immunoassay system and asemi-automated immunoassay system.

Biomira's stock was up 50 cents a share on Tuesday, closing at$8.50.

-- Brenda Sandburg News Editor

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