Abbott's molecular diagnostics business has entered into an agreement with Genentech, Inc., F. Hoffmann-La Roche and OSI Pharmaceuticals, Inc. to develop a gene test to assess the clinical benefit of Tarceva, an oral tablet indicated for the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure of at least one prior chemotherapy regimen.
    
Under the agreement, Abbott will develop a test to detect extra copies of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene using its fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) technology in NSCLC.  
   
Currently, there are no nucleic acid based tests validated or approved by the FDA that could identify patients who may benefit from targeted lung cancer therapies.
   
"By helping to unlock the information found at the molecular level in each person's DNA, we believe that molecular diagnostics hold the promise of personalized medicine," said Stafford O'Kelly, vice president, molecular diagnostics, Abbott. "Our goal through this important technology is to improve the practice of medicine by helping to reduce risk, produce targeted cures, and improve the detection and prevention of serious illnesses."
   
Financial terms of the agreement were not disclosed.