Ann Arbor-based NextGen Sciences Inc. has launched its protein assay targeting breast cancer.

Called plasmabreast25, the assay simultaneously measures 25 human plasma proteins that are thought to have potential as biomarkers in breast cancer.

"The release of plasmabreast25 is further indication of our commitment to developing and marketing multiplex assays for biomarker discovery in specific cancer areas," said Klaus Rosenau, chairman and CEO of NextGen Sciences' parent company, NextGen Group of London, England. "It enables us to remain focused on increasing our market share from the $600 million mass spectrometry based biomarker discovery market. To ensure we continually deliver the high-quality assays that pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostics companies need to inform their decision-making processes, NextGen Sciences is currently planning more such products in the near future."

More at www.nextgensciences.com/assays/breast.php.

NextGen's assay is based upon its multiple reaction monitoring mass spectrometry platform and generates high quality reproducible data that companies can use in their drug and diagnostic development programs. NextGen expects to develop further oncology and CNS disease-focused assay panels both as proprietary products and with other companies, through partnerships and collaborations.

NextGen Sciences provides pharmaceutical, biotechnology and diagnostic companies with rapid and quantitative protein biomarker discovery, measurement and qualification services using mass spectrometry technology. With a rise in the industry focus on personalized medicine and cost-effectiveness, biomarkers are playing an increasingly important role in drug discovery, development and patient access, as well as healthcare delivery. The global market for biomarkers is expected to grow to $12.8 billion by 2012 (BCC Research), with those for neurological disorders ($3.5 billion by 2015, Espicom Healthcare) and oncology ($9.5 billion by 2014, www.marketsandmarkets.com) playing an important role.

NextGen Sciences' products include discoveryexpress for discovery of new biomarkers and targets, assayexpress for assay development and testingexpress for biomarker qualification.

More at www.nextgensciences.com.