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Bayer HealthCare has entered into a strategic partnership with QIAGEN Manchester Ltd (QIAGEN) for the development of molecular in vitro companion diagnostic tests. These tests shall be used to identify patients most likely to benefit from novel anti-cancer drug candidates developed by Bayer HealthCare.
Companion diagnostic tests aim to unlock molecular information from each patient’s tumour genome to guide treatment decisions with targeted medications for cancer and other diseases. This collaboration will support Bayer HealthCare’s oncological development programs and is part of Bayer HealthCare’s personalised medicine approach.
Under the terms of the agreement Qiagen will develop, manufacture and commercialise in vitro diagnostics (IVDs) as a companion diagnostic test for novel targeted anti-cancer therapies developed by Bayer HealthCare, which are currently in early development. The parties also agreed that over a period of five years they may initiate further development projects to develop molecular diagnostic tests in support of additional targeted therapies. Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.
“We are very excited to partner with Qiagen to develop companion diagnostic tests for our novel anti-cancer agents,” said Prof. Andreas Busch, Head of Global Drug Discovery and Member of the Executive Committee of Bayer HealthCare. “This constitutes another significant step for Bayer HealthCare towards personalised medicine in cancer treatment as the early screening of patients for specific tumour markers helps to design more efficient clinical trials. Furthermore it increases the overall probability of therapeutic success for patients suffering from cancer.”
While much progress has been made in the treatment of cancer over the last years, there is still a need for improved diagnosis and treatment of cancer. In this context, Bayer HealthCare is committed to advancing the science of cancer, and translating this science into therapies that can help people with cancer live longer and to improve patients’ quality of life. Bayer HealthCare has established a broad network with external partners in the area of oncology and the company’s oncology portfolio demonstrates Bayer HealthCare’s commitment to improving the lives of people living with cancer.
“We are very pleased to be initiating these development programs and our partnership with Bayer HealthCare”, commented Dr. Helge Lubenow, Senior Vice President Molecular Diagnostics Business Area and Member of the Executive Committee of QIAGEN. “The collaboration combines Qiagen’s competencies in companion diagnostics with Bayer HealthCare’s drug development expertise in a joint effort to advance new targeted therapies for certain cancers that potentially help to reduce healthcare costs and – most importantly – advance the standard of care for patients.”
