Lilly, QIAGEN In Companion Diagnostics Pact

QIAGEN N.V. and Eli Lilly and Co. have entered a collaboration to develop assay panels for the simultaneous analysis of DNA and RNA biomarkers targeting multiple cellular pathways involved in common cancer types. QIAGEN will use its multi-modal, multi-analyte Modaplex analysis platform, which can process multiple sample types and biomarkers in a single test.    
 
This is the companies’ fourth project. In 2011, QIAGEN and Lilly partnered to develop a companion diagnostic that evaluates a gene mutation, which plays a role in some blood cancers. In 2013, a third project involved creating a companion diagnostic to guide use of an undisclosed Lilly oncology compound.
 
“We are excited to add a new stage to our successful collaboration with Lilly, this time co-developing a broad panel of molecular assays covering a range of biomarkers with diverse nucleic acid analytes and modalities to guide the use of tailored therapies. We believe our technology can enhance Lilly’s development of innovative therapies for the benefit of cancer patients,” said Peer M. Schatz, chief executive officer of QIAGEN. “Our collaborations with Lilly are among more than 20 co-development and co-commercialization projects underway with leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies.”
 
Richard B. Gaynor, M.D., senior vice president, Oncology-Clinical Product Development and Medical Affairs, of Lilly, said, “Certain applications in biomarker development for tailoring oncology therapeutics require the combined analysis of DNA and RNA, and this collaboration provides a multi-modal, multi-analyte solution that can process multiple sample types and biomarkers in a single test. We are pleased to work with QIAGEN on this novel platform to support our development programs.”