AstraZeneca and Dako Denmark have entered into a collaboration agreement to develop companion diagnostic tests for multiple AstraZeneca oncology projects in various stages of discovery and development. The deal aligns with Dako's strategy to collaborate with pharmaceutical majors to enhance it's companion diagnostic assays offering.
As per the agreement, the companies are expected to work together to develop diagnostic tests to help physicians determine the most appropriate cancer treatment for patients.
The collaboration will leverage Dako’s expertise in cancer diagnostics in the development of diagnostic tests used in conjunction with drug therapies. AstraZeneca will bring its extensive experience in the development and commercialization of vital oncology products worldwide.
Lars Holmkvist, CEO of Dako Denmark, said: “We believe it is important for pharmaceutical and diagnostic companies to combine their expertise in a strong collaborative approach to enable the development of diagnostic tests for use with drug therapies. Targeted treatment with personalized medicine is the future, and the outcome of this collaboration will be beneficial not only for cancer patients, but is also a contributive factor in cutting health care costs.”
Alan Barge, head of oncology development at AstraZeneca, said: “This agreement, under the umbrella of AstraZeneca’s Personalised Healthcare strategy, will enable us to develop novel, reimbursable products that can improve patients’ lives.
“The alliance heralds the intentions of both companies to work closely together to develop new drugs linked to diagnostic tests that predict which patients are most likely to respond to treatment, ensuring that we are giving the right treatment, to the right patient, the first time.”
Ruth March, personalised healthcare leader at AstraZeneca, said: “This agreement is the first in a series of strategic alliances with diagnostic companies that will enable AstraZeneca to achieve our Personalised Healthcare aims and better serve patient health.”