Vermillion, a molecular diagnostics company, has renewed its collaboration with Johns Hopkins University on the development of novel biomarkers that can be applied toward disease detection, classification and monitoring of prevalent cancers, including ovarian, breast and prostate.

The company said it will have access to exclusive commercial rights to the discoveries made through the partnership.

"For more than seven years we have had a highly productive relationship with Daniel W. Chan, MD, professor of pathology/urology/oncology/radiology, director of the clinical chemistry division in the department of pathology and director for the Center for Biomarker Discovery, and his esteemed team at Johns Hopkins University. Working in tandem with this distinguished institution on the discovery of clinical assays that will ultimately aid in the development of reliable diagnostic tests gives us an opportunity to address serious unmet needs in oncology," said Eric Fung, MD, PhD, chief scientific officer of Vermillion.

As part of the collaboration, the Freemont, Calif.-based Vermillion said it will continue to provide financial support, technical assistance and access to its technology platforms, while Johns Hopkins will continue to contribute cancer serum samples and the clinical and scientific expertise of its physicians and scientists.