Beth Israel Deaconess, Biometheus deal

Newco Biometheus emerged from stealth mode and announced an exclusive option from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center to IP covering technology to detect placebo responders. Biometheus is developing a PCR-based test that detects a polymorphism in the catechol-O-methyltransferase ( COMT) gene that has been linked to placebo-responders in clinical trials for irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), pain and other indications. The test has completed validation studies for IBS and pain. The biotech plans to license the test to third-parties to screen patients for the polymorphism for clinical trials. Biometheus said the option is in place while the parties finalize the terms of an exclusive licensing agreement. ...