Genovis has signed an agreement with Respiratorius to evaluate a new technology for the early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.

The agreement involves tests and evaluation of RESP-3000 as a new biomarker for early diagnosis of cardiovascular disease using PET-imaging. The final evaluation will be conducted by GeccoDots AB, Genovis’ wholly owned subsidiary. According to a press release from Genovis, work will be started upon directly and evaluation is expected in late 2013 or early 2014.

Sarah Fredriksson, CEO of Genovis, commented on the new agreement: “The collaboration with Respiratorius provides us with a unique opportunity to develop innovative technology in medical imaging of patients with coronary artery disease, the most common type of heart disease which also includes myocardial infarction. The project is an excellent fit with the development projects and products now being commercialized at GeccoDots and has great commercial potential. We look forward to carrying out the evaluation study in cooperation with Respiratorius and researchers at Lund University.”

Furthermore, the agreement includes the option for Genovis to acquire technology and patents relating to RESP-3000 in pre-clinical applications. Genovis reports that the company intends to initiate negotiations for an acquisition should the test show favorable results.

Respiratorius AB was founded in 1999 as a spin-off from Lund University. The company develops drug candidates with the ambition to launch drugs for diseases such as severe asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and cancer. Also, their project portfolio includes a project for improving the diagnosis of cardiovascular disease.