Definiens acquired by AstraZeneca and MedImmune
Global biologics company AstraZeneca and its research and development division, MedImmune, announced yesterday that the company has acquired Definiens, a biotech firm focusing on imaging and research analysis.
Definiens, headquartered in Munchen, Germany, and Carlsbad, Calif., made a name for itself with a sample data analysis technology called Tissue Phenomics. The system reportedly improves the search for biomarkers in cancer tissues by measuring important variables within the sample, such as the location, identity and interaction between key constituents.
MedImmune will take hold of 100 percent of the company’s shares for $150 million with promises of additional, undetermined payments. The acquisition is a strategic move to augment MedImmune’s oncology biomarker business and to help in the selection of patients for clinical trials.
“MedImmune has a comprehensive programme in immuno-oncology and the identification of patients who are most likely to respond to particular therapies is critical to our ability to successfully develop new medicines,” said Bahija Jallal, PhD, MedImmune executive vice president in a press release. “Definiens’ technology will complement our immuno-oncology approach and allow us to accelerate further our clinical programmes through its highly precise predictive and prognostic biomarker testing. We look forward to working with Definiens’ scientists to give patients the best chance of receiving the targeted medicines suited for their particular needs.”
AstraZeneca officials note that Definiens will keep operating as usual with the latter’s third-party customers.