- Abstract at AACR Translation of the Cancer Genome meeting describes novel approach to discovery of gene control biomarkers -
WATERTOWN, Mass.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Syros Pharmaceuticals, a therapeutics company focused on discovering and developing novel gene control therapies, announced today that data demonstrating the use of Syros’ gene control platform to identify biomarkers that predict drug response were presented at a recent meeting of cancer researchers. Research conducted by Syros scientists demonstrates a new approach to uncovering novel biomarkers that predict drug response.
In a poster presented on February 7 at the American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) Translation of the Cancer Genome meeting, entitled “Predicting Drug Response by Profiling the Epigenome Super-Enhancers as Biomarkers,”1 Syros scientists mapped gene control regions across 40 diverse cancer cell-lines and paired those maps against drug response data from 140 different anti-cancer drugs. Researchers were able to demonstrate that unique gene control elements could be used as biomarkers to predict response to drugs. This work suggests that interrogating gene control features can enable rational patient selection and therapeutic treatment strategies.
“A primary aim in treating cancer patients is to identify the right drug for the right patient,” said Eric Olson, PhD, Syros’ Chief Scientific Officer. “These data demonstrate our platform’s unique ability to predict drug response, holding promise for the discovery and application of patient-tailored therapies.”
The AACR Translation of the Cancer Genome meeting took place February 7 to 9, 2015, at The Fairmount San Francisco, in San Francisco, California.
About Syros Pharmaceuticals
Syros Pharmaceuticals is a therapeutics company harnessing breakthroughs in gene control to revolutionize the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Syros’ proprietary platform identifies the master switches for disease genes, opening a whole new approach to novel therapeutics and biomarkers. The Company’s founders are pioneers in gene control research and translation. Co-founded by Flagship Ventures and ARCH Venture Partners, Syros Pharmaceuticals is located in Watertown, MA. For more information, visit www.syros.com.
1 Orlando DA, McKeown M, Chen MW, Collins CA, Guenther MG, Fritz CC, Olson ER
Sam Brown Inc.
Mariesa Kemble, 608-850-4745
mariesakemble@sambrown.com
Source: Syros Pharmaceuticals
Released February 10, 2015