Sequenom Inc. (Nasdaq: SQNM) has acquired a patent covering DNA methylation analysis, which could lead to expanded applications in early cancer detection and other diagnostic areas.
“This adds to the richness of our patent estate,” said Sequenom spokesman Ian Clements, who noted the possibilities within the San Diego company’s own oncology and prenatal diagnostics portfolio.
DNA methylation is a chemical modification of DNA and plays a role in fetal development and complex diseases such as uncontrolled growth of cancer cells and certain psychiatric diseases and drug addiction.