SelectScience
Join Free
Accelerating Science
NewsLife Sciences

QIAGEN Expands Biomarker Content Portfolio to Support Molecular Diagnostics for Immuno-Oncology Therapies

QIAGEN
4 Jun 2017
Lois Manton-O'Byrne, PhD
Executive Editor

Industry news

QIAGEN has announced it has received a worldwide license from The Johns Hopkins University for biomarkers that have been shown to play key roles in identifying patients who could benefit from novel immune-oncology (I-O) therapies in cancer treatment.

The agreement involves rights to genetic biomarkers to assess microsatellite instability (MSI) and mismatch repair (MMR) in all sample and cell types, and will enable QIAGEN – subject to its exercising certain option rights – to commercialize molecular testing solutions using next-generation sequencing to assess MSI and MMR status. Levels of MSI and MMR, along with tumor mutation burden (TMB), are important in identifying cancer patients who could benefit from certain types of I-O therapies, which offer a novel way to treat cancer by using drugs to target the body’s immune system to help fight cancer.

QIAGEN reached this agreement prior to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) approving in May 2017 an I-O therapy to treat advanced solid tumors with MSI and MMR deficiencies, marking the first time that the FDA has cleared a cancer drug for use not tied to the site of a tumor. The Johns Hopkins University has been at the forefront of research in linking MMR defects to cancer.

“QIAGEN is constantly seeking out novel approaches to strengthen our portfolio of Sample to Insight solutions to support cancer research and better outcomes for patients, and the addition of these biomarkers are expected to play an increasingly important role in decision-making on the use of immuno-oncology therapies,” said Jonathan Arnold, Vice President and Head of Partner for Precision Diagnostics at QIAGEN. “We will evaluate all our technological options to offer MSI / MMR and TMB testing, including QIAseq panels that can be processed on our NGS platform. Working closely with our partners in the pharmaceutical industry, we intend to commercialize companion diagnostics and complementary diagnostics that will further strengthen QIAGEN’s global leadership in this area.”

QIAGEN is at the forefront globally in developing Personalized Healthcare assays using genomic insights along the patient care continuum, especially to guide the selection of medicines for cancer and other diseases as well as for disease monitoring. QIAGEN already offers a portfolio of Personalized Healthcare assays covering about 30 biomarkers, spanning a variety of automation platforms and biological sample types. Furthermore, QIAGEN is working with partners on ways for its QuantiFERON Monitor (QFM), a novel diagnostic for monitoring immune function, to be used as part of the diagnostic review of patients being considered or treated with I-O therapies. QFM measures the cell-mediated immune response and can provide important information on the strength of the immune system in an immunosuppressed patient.

QIAGEN also currently has more than 20 master collaboration agreements with leading pharmaceutical and biotech companies worldwide under which QIAGEN develops companion diagnostics assays to guide the use of therapies for treatment of cancers as well as other diseases.

Links

QIAGENCompany website

Tags

Gene Expression and Molecular CloningMolecular cloning is a set of techniques that utilizes vectors to transfer recombinant DNA into host cells and is an essential tool for investigating the expression of genes and proteins in bacterial or mammalian cells. A variety of vectors optimized for gene cloning and expression in a range of host organisms are available, alongside competent cells for genetic replication. Here, you can explore a range of molecular tools, high-quality genomic and cDNA libraries, premade clones, transformation and transfection reagents and mutagenesis or gene expression detection assays and expression arrays. Find the best gene expression and molecular cloning products 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. :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.ImmunologyImmunological techniques measure and characterize immune responses. Immunology kits and analysis systems often use techniques such as ELISA, radioimmunoassay (RIA) and immunodiffusion assays, Immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. Immunologists use equipment such as flow Cytometers, plate readers, plate washers and fluorescent microscopes.Molecular DiagnosticsMolecular diagnostics use an individual’s genetic code and gene expression to diagnose and monitor diseases. The technique is used increasingly in the field of infectious diseases and oncology, as well as areas such as coagulation, HLA typing and pharmacogenomics. Molecular diagnostics plays a pivotal role in personalized medicine.Cancer ResearchCancer research aims to understand the mechanisms of cancer development and progression to improve prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. From molecular biology to clinical trials, research spans a wide range of disciplines, including immunotherapy, targeted therapies, and drug discovery. Explore the best cancer research products in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.Cancer DiagnosticsThere are a wide variety of diagnostic tests for cancer available, and this range continues to expand as our knowledge of cancer improves. Current diagnostic methods include biopsy, imaging and blood tests for known biomarkers. New methods in research development include liquid biopsies and cancer breathalyzers.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. Biomarker DiscoveryClinical biomarkers refer to substances related to known medical conditions that can be accurately measured <i>in vitro</i>. Biomarkers can be used to diagnose presence of a disease and indicate disease severity. The discovery of new biomarkers is incredibly valuable in the field of diagnostics.

Related articles