Partnership with Lilly Expands Qiagen’s Personalized Healthcare Pipeline

Qiagen (Hilden, Germany) and Eli Lilly (Indianapolis, Indiana, USA) will codevelop universal and modular assay panels for the simultaneous analysis of DNA and RNA biomarkers targeting multiple cellular pathways involved in common cancer types. The agreement includes the development of tests that will be based on Qiagen’s multimodal, multianalyte Modaplex analysis platform, which can process multiple sample types and biomarkers in a single test. The development of modular assay panels focuses on multiple biomarkers targeting cellular pathways associated with cancer therapies under development by Lilly.

Qiagen offers companion diagnostic programs spanning a range of molecular testing platforms, including real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assays for use on Qiagen’s QIAsymphony family and next-generation sequencing (NGS) panels. QIAGEN also offers a novel, multimodal, multianalyte platform from PrimeraDx. The proprietary technology enables laboratories to process multiple samples in a fast, cost-efficient run. The technology allows the analysis of dozens of DNA and RNA biomarkers as well as their copy numbers, expression levels and mutations in one assay and at the same time.

The Modaplex platform was cleared by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA; Silver Spring, MD, USA) in December 2013.

“We believe our technology can enhance Lilly’s development of innovative therapies for the benefit of cancer patients. In addition to a broad portfolio of PCR-based assays targeting more than 25 biomarkers, Qiagen’s Personalized Healthcare offering has expanded to include universal solutions using next-generation sequencing (NGS) and now also a unique and proprietary multimodal, multianalyte testing technology. 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, MD, Senior VP, 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 multimodal, multianalyte solution that can process multiple sample types and biomarkers in a single test.”

Related Links:
Qiagen
Eli Lilly
FDA