It is now widely accepted that disruption of the normal pattern of histone modifications (histone code) is closely linked to aberrant gene expression and leads to malignant transformation. Because of its rich information content, analysis of the histone code has considerable relevance for biomarker or diagnostic development, especially if available through a non-invasive procedure. It has been established that intact nucleosomes derived from tumour chromatin are found in the blood of cancer patients, but not normal individuals, and that levels increase as the cancer progresses. Chroma has shown that histone modification marks are stable in the plasma of cancer patients, indicating that development of a blood-based test to read cancer-associated histone modifications is feasible. In addition, Chroma has a strong patent portfolio covering the utility of reagents directed at modified histone antigens in the biomarker, prognostic and diagnostic areas. Chroma intends to develop its proprietary biomarker technology with a specialist diagnostics company.