EGFR Commercialization Team:
Successful Teamwork Rapidly Brings Test to Patients

In April 2004, investigators at MGH and the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute (DFCI) reported the discovery of a diagnostic test for identifying patients likely to respond to certain treatments for non-small cell lunch cancer (NSCLC). The MGH team was led by Drs. Daniel Haber and Thomas Lynch of the MGH Cancer Center. The investigators found that mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene in tumors correlate with clinical response to certain drugs, including Iressa (R) (AstraZeneca) and Tarceva (R) (Genentech/OSI Pharmaceuticals).

Due to the tremendous licensing interest in the technology, the Partners Research Ventures & Licensing (RVL) department assigned a three-person team to drive the commercialization process for this technology, the EGFR Mutation Assay. This EGFR Commercialization Team was responsible for licensing the rights of both MGH and DFCI and consisted of: Laura Gold Ripin, Team Leader, MGH Corporate Sponsored Research & Licensing; Anthony Coia, MD, Senior Associate in the Center for Innovative Ventures; and Brian McTigue, Director, Business Development. Each team member brought unique areas of expertise to perform financial, quantitative and qualitative analyses in engaging 27 prospective licensees, review scientific and legal issues, and manage complex client relationships.

After six months, the team entered into exclusive licensing disucssions with Genyzme Corporation and then spent five months in nearly full-time negotiations before finalizing an agreement in May 2005. As a result of their efforts, the team not only secured a license with Genzyme, but also executed related research agreements with multiple companies worth more than $1 million. In addition to executing the license, the group exhibited the best qualities of teamwork, set an example for the rest of the newly formed RVL department on how to work cross-functionally and clearly demonstrated professionalism during highly charged and stressful negotiations.

As a result of the team's commercialization efforts, the EGFR mutation testing is on the market and is advancing the field of pharmacogenomics and delivery of personalized medicine by assisting physicians in identifying the right therapy, for the right patient, at the right time. Mara G. Aspinall, President of Genzyme Genetics commented, "Genzyme is honored to have been chosen to collaborate with Partners to put 'personalized medicine into action' with the development and launch of our innovative EGFR mutation assay. We are pleased that this test has truly impacted patient care and are confident that we will continue to work together to make a difference in the lives of patients now and into the future."