Abbott collaborates with GSK on molecular diagnostics

Abbott has entered into an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to develop a molecular diagnostic test intended for use as an aid in selecting patients who may benefit from a skin cancer treatment in development by GSK.
 
In conjunction with the London-based GSK, Abbott will develop and commercialize a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test for use on the Abbott m2000 automated molecular instrument system and the test will detect MAGE-A3, a tumor-specific antigen expressed in skin cancer and a wide variety of other cancers, but not in normal cells.

In July 2009, both companies announced a similar collaboration and Phase III investigation for the MAGE-A3 marker in non-small cell lung cancer.

Abbott's molecular diagnostics business, based in Des Plaines, Ill., said it will seek regulatory approval for the test in several markets, including the U.S. and Europe, in collaboration with GSK.
 

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