The nuclear matrix makes up the internal framework of the nucleus, supporting it and providing its shape. In addition, it helps to organize the DNA inside the nucleus so that genes are readily accessible when the cell needs to translate the DNA blueprint into active proteins. Johns Hopkins has given Matritech exclusive worldwide license to patent rights covering PC-1 and other NMPs specific to prostate cancer. The company is now using the technology to develop a blood test for men being tested for prostate cancer, and plans to start clinical trials of the test by late 1995 or early 1996. Hopkins researchers led by Partin and Donald Coffey, Ph.D., director of research at the Department of Urology, and Robert H. Getzenberg, Ph.D., first reported their findings on PC-1 in the February 1993 issue of Cancer Research.
Prostate cancer is the second-leading cause of cancer death in men.
According to the American Cancer Society, there were approximately 200,000 new cases of prostate cancer diagnosed in the United States in 1993 and approximately 38,000 men died of this disease. Coffey and Partin, The Johns Hopkins University, and the other investigators are entitled to royalty derived from Matritech's sale of products related to the research described in this press release.