Life sciences firm LabCorp has entered a strategic collaboration with clinical laboratory testing services company Unilabs to enhance development and delivery of companion diagnostics globally for improving precision medicine.
The partners will expand the network of laboratories that help biopharmaceutical organisations in developing and commercialising these diagnostics.
In addition, commercialisation access will be enhanced in North America and Europe, with focus on diagnostics developed, as well as validated by LabCorp and its drug development unit Covance.
LabCorp chairman and CEO David King said: “Companion diagnostics are an essential component of precision medicine, enabling physicians to identify the patients who are most likely to benefit from targeted and novel therapies.
“With this collaboration, we are capitalising on the scientific and operational strengths of two leaders in companion diagnostics to benefit biopharmaceutical clients who need global solutions for precision medicine, with the ultimate goal of improving health and improving lives for patients around the world.”
The companies also intend to simplify technical, regulatory and clinical complications related to the assays using globally harmonised processes, which will initially be applied for oncology.
Unilabs CEO Jos Lamers said: “Our collaboration with LabCorp addresses the need for global harmonisation and combined capabilities, including scientific expertise, operational excellence and timely availability of high-quality companion diagnostic services.
“Our combined ability to bridge the time gaps between development phase and drug approval, and to national reimbursement, by offering a centralized laboratory testing facility, gives our respective customers the advantage of early adoption of their drug.”
