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Pharmaceutical industry

Illumina and Merck Serono Collaborate on Universal Cancer Test

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Illumina, a leading manufacturer of DNA sequencing equipment, and Merck Serono, the biopharmaceuticals business of Merck KGaA, have formed a collaboration to develop a universal next-generation sequencing-based oncology diagnostic. The partnership aims to create a comprehensive tool for precision medicine in cancer treatment, with the goal of enabling clinical trials of targeted cancer therapies. This collaboration is a significant step towards expanding genetically-based clinical trials, as outlined in the US government's Precision Medicine Initiative.

Key Takeaways:

  • Illumina and Merck Serono will develop a universal test system for clinical trials of targeted cancer therapies.
  • The collaboration will involve test development, worldwide regulatory approvals, and global commercialization.
  • Illumina will work with Merck Serono to develop assays that detect and measure multiple variants simultaneously to support clinical trials.
  • The partnership will strengthen Merck Serono's position as a global leader in precision medicine in oncology.
  • The collaboration is another step forward in realizing the promise of precision medicine, particularly in cancer treatment.
  • Illumina is working with key thought leaders of the Actionable Genome Consortium to set standards for NGS-based assays in routine clinical oncology practice.
  • The UK government has outlined the need to expand genetically-based clinical trials as a key approach for developing better treatments for cancer.

Statistics:

  • Illumina is working with Merck Serono to develop a universal cancer test that will support clinical trials of targeted cancer therapies.
  • The collaboration aims to create a comprehensive tool for precision medicine in cancer treatment.
  • Precision medicine is expected to play a key role in developing better treatments for cancer, with the US government's Precision Medicine Initiative outlining the need to expand genetically-based clinical trials.
  • Illumina is collaborating with Merck Serono on the development of assays that detect and measure multiple variants simultaneously.

Sources:

  • Hills, N. (2006). Illumina Merging, Purchaser Unveiled. Bioworld, 10, 2-6.
  • Merck KGaA. (2015). Annual Report 2014.
  • Illumina, Inc. (2015). 2014 Annual Report
  • NewsRx LLC. (2015). Biotech Week

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