Merck and Biocartis to Collaborate

08-Jan-2016 - Germany

Merck announced that it has signed a collaboration agreement with Biocartis for the development and commercialization of a new liquid biopsy RAS biomarker test for patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The test will be developed on Biocartis’ innovative, fully automated molecular diagnostics system, Idylla™, which is designed to offer accurate and reliable molecular information from virtually any biological sample in virtually any setting. The new test aims to support clinical practice in performing integrated liquid biopsy RAS biomarker tests, independently of the laboratories’ volume of testing or level of expertise.

Understanding metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients’ individual biomarker status is key to support timely treatment decision-making. “Through this collaboration, our desire is to have more metastatic colorectal cancer patients gain access to liquid biopsy RAS testing, regardless of their geographical location,” said Rehan Verjee, Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer of Merck’s biopharma business. “As the first pharmaceutical company to collaborate with multiple diagnostic providers of liquid biopsy RAS testing, we are living our commitment to supporting patients and physicians by going beyond treatment. The Biocartis technology will be complementary to other technology previously developed, and will allow for liquid biopsy RAS offerings to a wide range of lab segments, regardless of size and expertise levels.”

Merck and Biocartis plan to implement the Idylla™ liquid biopsy RAS test in numerous medical centers across the world, excluding the U.S., China and Japan. The test will be available for Research Use Only (RUO) in H2 2016 and is shortly thereafter planned to be submitted for a CE Mark. A concordance study is currently also being undertaken to substantiate the value of the test.

https://www.analytica-world.com/en/news/156246/merck-and-biocartis-to-collaborate.html