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Biocartis and Abbott Announce Exclusive Partnership to Develop Multiplex Companion Diagnostics Tests

Abbott
18 Jun 2014
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Product news

Agreement expected to fuel new pharmaceutical partnerships for companion diagnostics programs

Biocartis and Abbott today announced a collaboration to develop and commercialize companion diagnostics tests. Under the agreement, the companies will leverage Biocartis' molecular diagnostics system, Idylla™, and Abbott's regulatory, scientific and commercialization expertise.

"Much of the current molecular diagnostic practice involves a series of specialized, labor intensive and time-consuming steps," said Rudi Pauwels, CEO and Chairman, Biocartis. "Our Idylla™ system is extremely easy-to-use and provides rapid results, offering doctors quick and easy access to individual patient biomarker data anywhere and anytime. We are excited to combine strengths with Abbott in order to make this new generation of diagnostic solutions available to patients globally."

In partnership with pharmaceutical companies, Biocartis and Abbott will create various biomarker panels for use on the Idylla™ system, where each marker in the panel has a known clinical significance. Multiplexing, or the ability to analyze multiple molecular markers simultaneously, is important for pharmaceutical partners that need to analyze multiple biomarkers in their clinical trials and ultimately helps physicians obtain more useful information from limited patient samples. Biocartis' Idylla™ system features a unique, integrated, “sample in, result out” technology, to generate high quality molecular test results.

"As a leading diagnostics partner in developing companion diagnostic tests, Abbott is excited to help bring new testing opportunities to the field of personalized medicine," said Deepak Nath, president, Molecular Diagnostics, Abbott. "This agreement is not only a strategic business fit in expanding our companion diagnostics partnerships with leading pharmaceutical companies, but ultimately, it enables us to help improve the lives of cancer patients worldwide. "

About Biocartis

Biocartis strives to transform the global diagnostics market by providing instant access to personalized medicine for patients worldwide. The company develops fully integrated and broadly applicable molecular diagnostic solutions that can be used in a wide variety of healthcare settings to provide rapid, high-quality care to patients.

Biocartis has established in house commercial scale manufacturing capabilities and is geared towards formal CE marking of its Idylla™ system and its first oncology assay by September 2014. Biocartis and its partners are developing a range of diagnostic tests in oncology and infectious diseases.

Please visit Biocartis at www.biocartis.com

About Abbott Molecular

Abbott Molecular is a leader in molecular diagnostics – the analysis of DNA and RNA at the molecular level. Abbott Molecular's tests can also detect subtle but key changes in patients' genes and chromosomes and have the potential to aid with early detection or diagnosis, can influence the selection of appropriate therapies, and may assist with monitoring of disease progression.

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Genome AnalysisGenomics, the study of genomes, includes functional genomics, evolutionary genomics and comparative genomics. There are many genomic technologies such as DNA sequencing of whole genomes, computational biology and bioinformatics. DNA and nucleic acids must be isolated and concentrated from cells for analysis with kits, automated analyzers and software. Other useful technologies for studying genomics include PCR, microarrays and electrophoresis.PCR and Thermal CyclingPolymerase chain reaction (PCR) kits and thermal cyclers are used for the in vitro amplification of DNA permitting subsequent analysis and experimental procedures. Explore a range of high-quality polymerase, primers and nucleotides or simplify your workflow with a PCR mastermix. Find reverse transcription PCR (RT-PCR) and cDNA synthesis kits for RNA products and libraries. Quantitatively measure the amplification of DNA with real-time PCR (qPCR) and droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) kits and systems, and discover automated PCR setup solutions to increase throughput. Alternative DNA amplification methods also include recombinase polymerase amplification (RPA) kits. Find the best PCR kits and thermal cyclers and purification equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.BiomarkersBiomarkers are biological markers which can be measured and evaluated to indicate a biological state. The use of biomarkers in research and diagnosis can indicate a normal or disease state or drug response of cells / tissues. Biomarkers include genetic markers, cell surface markers such as antigens, antibodies or receptors and secreted molecules such as cytokines. An assay system is required for identification of biomarkers. :Biopharmaceutical AdvancesBiopharmaceutical advances follow the development of pharmaceuticals derived from biotechnology, also known as biotechnology medicines. Biopharmaceuticals may be produced from cell lines, plants, or microbial cells. Important considerations of biopharmaceutical use include application, cost, production process and purification.Clinical TrialsClinical Trials, an essential part of drug discovery process, assess the safety and effectiveness of a new medication or device in the pharmaceutical industry. Clinical Trials are a phased process (Phase 0, Phase I, Phase II, Phase III and Phase IV) which begins after initial preclinical testing.Clinical GeneticsMolecular Genetics covers the analysis of hereditary genetic disease and chromosomal abnormalities. Genetics can be analysed using DNA, RNA, and protein microarrays, PCR, RT PCR and DNA sequencing. Genetic equipment includes genetic workstations, thermal cyclers, cooling blocks and electrophoresis products. Diagnostic kits are used for DNA / RNA extraction and purification.Next Generation SequencingNext-generation sequencing (NGS), also known as whole-genome sequencing, high-throughput sequencing and massive parallel sequencing, produces and analyses thousands to millions of nucleotide sequences at once. Sequencing systems operate via varying technologies depending on the manufacturer, including sequencing by synthesis, ligation, pyrosequencing, ion semiconductor and single-molecule real-time sequencing. For NGS, library preparation is paramount to successful sequencing. In this section, explore a range of library preparation kits, from targeted, amplicon-based or hybridization-based kits including epigenomic, transcriptomic and genomic workflows to fragmentation kits. Find the best next-generation sequencing products in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Companion DiagnosticsCompanion diagnostics are tests, often <i>in vitro</i>, that are used to determine whether a therapeutic product will be safe and effective for use on an individual. They also identify which patients will benefit most from them. Companion diagnostic tests are often developed in conjunction with the pharmaceutical industry.Precision MedicinePrecision medicine refers to the idea of customized healthcare, where medical decisions and treatments are tailored to the individual patient. Molecular diagnostics, companion diagnostics and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) play a pivotal role in this approach.

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Biocartis and Abbott Announce Exclusive Partnership to Develop Multiplex Companion Diagnostics Tests