Abbott and Pfizer Develop Companion Diagnostic Test

Abbott (Des Plaines, IL, USA) has entered into an agreement with Pfizer Inc. (New York, NY, USA) to develop a molecular diagnostic test intended to screen nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) tumors for the presence of gene rearrangements.

Pfizer developed a novel agent that selectively targets cancer-causing genes implicated in the progress of many cancers. To be eligible to receive the company's oral therapy, a particular genetic translocation found only in NSCLC tumors and a wide variety of other cancers must be present. Abbott will develop a companion diagnostic test that will determine patients' genetic status to be used in patient selection for future clinical trials of the agent, PF-02341066.

Garry Nicholson, general manager, Pfizer oncology business units said, "This test will allow us to focus on the patient population most likely to benefit from our NSCLC candidate. Working in close partnership with the experienced Abbott team, we are confident that we will deliver yet another application of personalized medicine to address a currently unmet medical need in NSCLC."

Abbott's molecular diagnostics business provides physicians with information based on the early detection of pathogens and subtle changes in patients' genes and chromosomes, allowing for earlier diagnosis, selection of appropriate therapies, and monitoring of disease progression. The business includes instruments and reagents used to conduct analysis of patient DNA and RNA.

Pfizer's oncology business is committed to the discovery, investigation, and development of treatment options for cancer patients worldwide. Its robust pipeline consists of 21 biologics and small molecules in clinical development across four scientific platforms: antiangiogenesis, signal transduction, immunooncology, and cytotoxic potentiators.

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