Bayer, Leica Biosystems to develop companion tests for cancer patients

Bayer and Leica Biosystems will collaborate on developing companion diagnostic tests based on tissue samples for cancer patients.
“We are looking forward to working with Leica Biosystems to develop companion diagnostic tests for our novel anti-cancer agents,” Andreas Busch, a member of the executive committee of Bayer AG's Pharmaceuticals Division, said. “This represents another important step for Bayer towards a more personalized approach in the fight against cancer.”
The agreement allows for the partners to use Leica Biosystems' expertise in assay development, regulatory approval and commercialization of companion diagnostic tests. The tests will be based on the Bayer-developed automated BOND technology platform for novel targeted anti-cancer therapies.
“The promise of personalized medicine relies upon high quality diagnostic tests to identify the specific patient populations that are most likely to benefit from the therapy,” Jonathan Roy, vice president of Pharma Partnerships at Leica Biosystems, said. “We are very pleased that this agreement with Bayer will help to expand our menu of companion diagnostic tests on the BOND technology and supports our overall mission of advancing cancer diagnostics for the benefit of patients and clinicians who care for them."