Siemens and LabCorp to co-develop clinical diagnostic tests

12 May 2008

Siemens Healthcare and Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp) have announced that they are exploring possibilities to co-develop new clinical diagnostic tests in the areas of companion diagnostics, metabolic syndrome, oncology and diabetes.

Companion diagnostics are tests designed to identify the suitability between patients and a particular drug therapy. The tests can be used in personalized medicine to improve safety and efficacy of therapeutic drugs and in some cases, may help determine optimal dosing for individual patients.

Metabolic syndrome is becoming more common and is characterized by a person having multiple risk factors that may include high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes, among others. It is estimated that more than 50 million people are affected by this syndrome in the United States alone [1].

Diabetes is a chronic disease currently affecting more than 180 million people worldwide and is likely to more than double by 2030 [2]. Early detection and treatment of diabetes may enable a patient to better maintain their lifestyle. In addition, the possibility of advancing early detection of cancer is important as it may lead to higher survival rates. One in eight deaths worldwide is due to cancer, and in 2007, there were more than 12 million estimated new cancer cases worldwide [3].

Siemens is a leader in the diagnostic industry, while LabCorp is a reference laboratory successfully serving more than 220,000 clients in America. Together, the companies are well positioned to co-develop and introduce new diagnostic tests that may advance patient care through early detection and proper monitoring of disease.

"This agreement establishes a framework that gives both companies the opportunity to offer new diagnostic tests to laboratories, physicians and their patients more quickly and effectively than either could do alone," said Dave Hickey, senior vice president strategic planning and business development, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. "Advancing healthcare for patients is an important commitment that we can reach through strategic relationships such as this."

"LabCorp is excited about this strategic collaboration and its impact on our companion diagnostics efforts," said Myla P Lai-Goldman, MD, executive vice president, chief scientific officer and medical director for LabCorp. "Alliances, such as this between developers and providers of new tests, are critical in translating emerging biomarkers from research into clinical practice."

Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames.	Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. Siemens and LabCorp to co-develop clinical diagnostic tests 12 May 2008 Siemens Healthcare and Laboratory Corporation of America Holdings (LabCorp) have announced that they are exploring possibilities to co-develop new clinical diagnostic tests in the areas of companion diagnostics, metabolic syndrome, oncology and diabetes. Companion diagnostics are tests designed to identify the suitability between patients and a particular drug therapy. The tests can be used in personalized medicine to improve safety and efficacy of therapeutic drugs and in some cases, may help determine optimal dosing for individual patients. Metabolic syndrome is becoming more common and is characterized by a person having multiple risk factors that may include high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes, among others. It is estimated that more than 50 million people are affected by this syndrome in the United States alone [1]. Diabetes is a chronic disease currently affecting more than 180 million people worldwide and is likely to more than double by 2030 [2]. Early detection and treatment of diabetes may enable a patient to better maintain their lifestyle. In addition, the possibility of advancing early detection of cancer is important as it may lead to higher survival rates. One in eight deaths worldwide is due to cancer, and in 2007, there were more than 12 million estimated new cancer cases worldwide [3]. Siemens is a leader in the diagnostic industry, while LabCorp is a reference laboratory successfully serving more than 220,000 clients in America. Together, the companies are well positioned to co-develop and introduce new diagnostic tests that may advance patient care through early detection and proper monitoring of disease. "This agreement establishes a framework that gives both companies the opportunity to offer new diagnostic tests to laboratories, physicians and their patients more quickly and effectively than either could do alone," said Dave Hickey, senior vice president strategic planning and business development, Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics. "Advancing healthcare for patients is an important commitment that we can reach through strategic relationships such as this." "LabCorp is excited about this strategic collaboration and its impact on our companion diagnostics efforts," said Myla P Lai-Goldman, MD, executive vice president, chief scientific officer and medical director for LabCorp. "Alliances, such as this between developers and providers of new tests, are critical in translating emerging biomarkers from research into clinical practice." Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames. To top	Your browser does not support inline frames or is currently configured not to display inline frames.