BD and Lab21 Collaborate

BD Diagnostics and Lab21 have announced that they will collaborate to develop oncology assays for the BD MAX™ fully automated, bench-top molecular system.

Under the terms of the collaboration, Lab21 will develop polymerase chain reaction-based assays on the BD MAX platform for a series of oncology markers.

BD will be responsible for manufacturing and commercializing the tests worldwide. The first two assays will be designed to detect mutations in the KRAS and BRAF genes.

These initial assays were selected because of their current importance in optimizing the management of cancer patients.

The agreement also includes the development of novel nucleic acid extraction procedures from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue.

The collaboration will develop BD’s first offering in personalized cancer diagnostics on the BD MAX system.

“When used in conjunction with other laboratory and clinical information, these assays will provide critical input to support oncologists and their patients in making more informed decisions about their care,” said Tom Polen, President, BD Diagnostics - Diagnostic Systems.

Graham Mullis, CEO of Lab21, added, “We are pleased to expand our partnership with BD from the detection of Aspergillus species to the broader development and commercialization of important diagnostic markers in the oncology area. Lab21 has significant experience with and proven assay development capability in cancer molecular diagnostics.”

Financial terms of the agreement and information regarding additional assays were not disclosed.