The Wall Street Journal reported on Friday that Novartis (NVS) will collaborate with Pathwork Diagnostics on the development of biomarkers across a range of cancer types that would capitalize on the trend to “match patients with the right medicines”. Pathwork, a venture funded Company in Redwood City,CA has an FDA approved “Tissue of Origin” test molecular test for tumors utilizing a microarray based RNA platform. The Agreement is co-exclusive and both companies have the rights to develop and commercialize any diagnostic products developed.
http://www.pathworkdx.com/news/Press_Release_July_30_2010.pdf.
This deal expands Novartis’ strategic focus in diagnostics and the Company’s belief in the synergy with pharmaceuticals. Since 1998 Novartis has had a collaboration with GenProbe (GPRO), as a result of the Novartis acquisition of Chiron Corporation, to develop and market nucleic acid tests and instruments in the blood screening market. Tests are for hepatitis,HIV and West Nile Virus.