Qiagen has entered a commercial collaboration and joint marketing agreement with French company ID Solutions to expand the availability of digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) assays for applications in oncology research.

This collaboration aims to leverage Qiagen's automation experience and worldwide presence, combined with ID Solutions' assay development and manufacturing offerings. It is said to bolster Qiagen's position in oncology research.

According to the agreement, ID Solutions will produce and supply dPCR assays for use in non-clinical research on Qiagen's QIAcuity platforms.

The assays are designed to identify several mutations in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) from plasma and genomic DNA (gDNA) from paraffin-embedded (FFPE), formalin-fixed tissue samples.

Qiagen will initially market these kits in Europe, with the potential for upcoming expansion into other areas.

The collaboration supports the company’s focus on expediting the QIAcuity dPCR platform adoption in oncology research.

The assays are said to widen Qiagen's portfolio and complement the current PanCancer Kits for multiple hallmark mutation detection in DNA from varied sample types and more than 200 locked nucleic acid (LNA) mutation assays.

These LNA assays are available through the company’s GeneGlobe platform, which is said to integrate assays that are pre-designed with a database of over 10,000 biological entities, including microRNAs (miRNAs), pathogens, pathways, and genes.

ID Solutions is committed to developing its assays for research use only on fully integrated platforms, aligning with the partnership's objectives.

Qiagen noted that for customers, this collaboration means access to ready-to-use assays that are optimised for QIAcuity in non-clinical oncology research, delivering results in less than a day.

Qiagen Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) commercial operations head and vice-president Simona Grandits said: "Through our collaboration with ID Solutions, we are reinforcing our commitment at Qiagen to providing comprehensive dPCR solutions on QIAcuity that address critical needs in oncology research.

"This agreement expands our assay portfolio, strengthens our position in oncology research, and supports faster, more reproducible results on the QIAcuity platform for our customers."

Earlier this month, Qiagen's QIAstat-Dx Gastrointestinal Panel 2 Mini B received clearance from the US Food and Drug Administration, expanding the company’s syndromic testing offerings in the country.