Silicon Biosystems Announces Agreement with Fox Chase Cancer Center
SAN DIEGO — Silicon Biosystems, Inc., a provider of specialized molecular and cellular biology technology, announced today its entry with Fox Chase Cancer Center in Philadelphia, PA, into an agreement for the company’s DEPArray(TM) technology.
Fox Chase Cancer Center is a leading research institute in the field of metastatic cancers and has been a champion of circulating tumor cell (CTC) research and their clinical applications.
“We believe the unique properties of the DEPArray technology can significantly contribute to advance our understanding of micrometastatic disease and the impact of its evaluation in oncology,” stated Dr. Massimo Cristofanilli, Professor and Chairman of the Department of Medical Oncology at Fox Chase Cancer Center. “Having the capability to obtain molecular characterizations from pure single cells will enable us to better understand the underlying genomic heterogeneity of cancers. Additionally, this innovative approach may allow us to identify and measure specific biomarkers with the potential for therapeutic targeting and monitoring of CTCs increasing our capability to impact patients’ quality of life and survival.”
Market research indicates significant growth in molecular studies of rare cells, such as CTCs, stem cells, and fetal cells. Silicon Biosystems patented “moving DEP cage” technology is the first system to go beyond cell enumeration and make the isolation and automated collection of pure individual cells possible.
“Getting to work with Fox Chase Cancer Center and a key opinion leader like Dr. Cristofanilli is a great opportunity for our U.S. business,” said Bob Proulx, President and GM for Silicon Biosystems, Inc. “We’re seeing a lot of interest in the clinical research sector because of what our technology can do, and we look forward to developing a strong working relationship with Fox Chase and seeing them publish results.”
About Silicon Biosystems
Silicon Biosystems, Inc. was formed in October of 2010 as a wholly owned subsidiary of Silicon Biosystems, S.p.A. based in Bologna, Italy. The Company manufactures and sells the DEPArray(TM) platform which is based on the principle of dielectrophoresis to isolate and manipulate cells in suspension with a microelectronic array. The approach, patented by Silicon Biosystems, offers the unique ability to control individual cells and micro-particles inside a disposable cartridge. The DEPArray(TM) platform makes it possible to find, sort, select and separate individual cells for further analysis or culturing. Silicon Biosystems is one of the most innovative start-ups in the field of “lab-on-a-chip,” based on active substrates, as testified by a number of awards and recognitions. For more information on Silicon Biosystems visit https://www.siliconbiosystems.com .
About Fox Chase Cancer Center
Fox Chase Cancer Center is one of the leading cancer research and treatment centers in the United States. Founded in 1904 in Philadelphia as one of the nation’s first cancer hospitals, Fox Chase was also among the first institutions to be designated a National Cancer Institute Comprehensive Cancer Center in 1974. Fox Chase researchers have won the highest awards in their fields, including two Nobel Prizes. Fox Chase physicians are also routinely recognized in national rankings, and the Center’s nursing program has received the Magnet status for excellence three consecutive times. Today, Fox Chase conducts a broad array of nationally competitive basic, translational, and clinical research, with special programs in cancer prevention, detection, survivorship, and community outreach. For more information, visit Fox Chase’s Web site at www.foxchase.org or call 1-888-FOX CHASE or (1-888-369-2427).

