Abbott and Wyeth to Develop Test for Sirolimus

A collaboration to jointly develop an automated blood test to monitor therapeutic levels of sirolimus, an anti-rejection drug for transplant patients, has been announced by Abbott Laboratories (Abbott Park, IL, USA) and (Madison, NJ, USA).

Under the agreement, the two companies will develop the test for use on Abbott's Imx and other automated immunoassay systems. The test will be manufactured by Axis-Shield plc (Dundee, Scotland), and Abbott will distribute it worldwide. Abbott now provides tests to monitor the immunosuppressant drugs cyclosporine and tacrolimus. A lifelong regimen of immunosuppressant drugs is given to transplant patients to lower the body's normal immune response and allow the transplanted organ to remain functional. Sirolimus is recommended for the prophylaxis of organ rejection in patients receiving a renal transplant.

"Our agreement with Wyeth builds upon our leadership position in transplant diagnostics and reinforces our commitment to improve the medical outcome for patients who have undergone kidney transplants,” said William Brown, Ph.D., vice president, diagnostic assays and systems development, Abbott Laboratories.




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